BILL REQ. #:  Z-0387.1 

Read first time 01/15/09.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to internet and mail order sales of certain tobacco products; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; repealing RCW 70.155.105; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Cigarette" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.24.010.
     (2) "Wholesaler" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.24.010.
     (3) "Retailer" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.24.010.
     (4) "Roll-your-own tobacco" means any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes.
     (5) "Little cigars" means any rolls of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or any substance containing tobacco, other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of subsection (1) of this section, and as to which one thousand units weigh no more than three pounds.
     (6) "Snuff" means any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) A person may not cause cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, little cigars, or snuff, ordered or purchased by mail or through a computer network, telephonic network, or other electronic network, to be shipped to anyone other than a wholesaler or retailer in this state.
     (2) A person may not, with knowledge or reason to know of the violation, provide substantial assistance to a person in violation of this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) A knowing violation of this chapter shall be punishable by imprisonment for no more than five years, or a fine of no more than five thousand dollars, or both.
     (2) In addition to or in lieu of any other civil or criminal remedy provided by law, upon a determination that a person has violated this chapter, the attorney general may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars for each violation. For purposes of this subsection, each shipment or transport of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, little cigars, or snuff shall constitute a separate violation.
     (3) The attorney general may seek an injunction in superior court to restrain a threatened or actual violation of this chapter and to compel compliance with this chapter.
     (4) In any action brought under this section, the state shall be entitled to recover the costs of investigation, expert witness fees, costs of the action, and reasonable attorneys' fees.
     (5) Any violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair and deceptive act or practice and an unfair method of competition in the conduct of a trade or commerce in violation of RCW 19.86.020. Standing to bring an action to enforce RCW 19.86.020 for violation of this chapter shall lie solely with the attorney general. Remedies provided by chapter 19.86 RCW are cumulative and not exclusive.
     (6) If a court determines that a person has violated the provisions of this chapter, the court shall order any profits, gain, gross receipts, or other benefit from the violation to be disgorged and paid to the state treasurer for deposit in the general fund.
     (7) Unless otherwise expressly provided, the penalties or remedies, or both, under this section are in addition to any other penalties and remedies available under any other law of this state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   RCW 70.155.105 (Delivery sale of cigarettes -- Requirements, unlawful practices -- Penalties -- Enforcement) and 2003 c 113 s 2 are each repealed.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.