OHIO — A new house bill passed Monday that will address the issue of selling tobacco and vaping products to minors.
>> Man indicted after crash kills area police K9, injures 2 officers in November
The House Criminal Justice Committee passed House Bill 258, according to a spokesperson from the office of State Representative Sara Carruthers (R-47).
The legislation will do two things:
- Increases fines for tobacco retailers that are repeatedly caught selling tobacco and vape products to minors
- Makes repeat offenders subject to public nuisance
Carruthers thinks strengthening the penalties for repeat offenders will help protect young Ohioans from using tobacco and vaping products, the spokesperson said.
>> Her 8-year-old son died in a house fire, now this Ohio mom is facing charges for his death
“Tobacco retailers that continuously sell tobacco and vaping products should be penalized for breaking the law. The negligence of some retailers has directly led to an increase in the use of these products by students, and it is only getting worse,” Carruthers said.
Now, House Bill 258 will move to the House floor awaiting a vote.
©2023 Cox Media Group
