ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1813

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 14, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1813.

      As amended, this bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices to individuals under the age of 21.  Under the bill, it is unlawful to deliver an electronic smoking device or tobacco product to a residence without first obtaining, upon delivery, the signature of an individual who is at least 21 years of age and who resides in that residence. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is to be subject to the civil and criminal penalties that apply to individuals who sell or furnish tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to persons under 21 years of age.

      The bill provides that the prohibition on the delivery of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to individuals under the age of 21 is not to apply to an individual performing his or her assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments:

      1) make a technical change to the bill’s title involving citation;

      2) provide that no person shall place a tobacco product or electronic smoking device for delivery to a residence in this State unless the package clearly indicates that it contains a tobacco product or electronic smoking device;

      3) remove a defense to prosecution involving the appearance of the purchaser;

      4) double fines for a violation of section 2 of the bill; and

      5) make technical changes to update the statutory provisions of section 3 of the bill.