S-3042.1

2071-S.E AMS HHS S3042.1

ESHB 2071 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Health & Human Services

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that while present state law prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco to minors, youth obtain tobacco products with ease. Availability and lack of enforcement put tobacco products in the hands of youth.

Federal law requires states to enforce laws prohibiting sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors in a manner that can reasonably be expected to reduce the extent to which the products are available to minors. It is imperative to effectively reduce the sale, distribution, and availability of tobacco products to minors.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions set forth in RCW 82.24.010 shall apply to sections 3 through 14 of this act. In addition, for the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise required by the context:

(1) "Board" means the Washington state liquor control board.

(2) "Minor" refers to an individual who is less than eighteen years old.

(3) "Public place" means a public street, sidewalk, or park, or any area open to the public in a publicly owned and operated building.

(4) "Sample" means a tobacco product distributed to members of the general public at no cost or at nominal cost for product promotion purposes.

(5) "Sampler" means a person engaged in the business of sampling other than a retailer.

(6) "Sampling" means the distribution of samples to members of the general public in a public place.

(7) "Tobacco product" means a product that contains tobacco and is intended for human consumption.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A person who holds a license issued under RCW 82.24.520 or 82.24.530 shall:

(1) Display the license or a copy in a prominent location at the outlet for which the license is issued; and

(2) Display a sign concerning the prohibition of tobacco sales to minors.

Such sign shall:

(a) Be posted so that it is clearly visible to anyone purchasing tobacco products from the licensee;

(b) Be designed and produced by the department of health to read: "THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER AGE 18 IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, YOU COULD BE PENALIZED FOR PURCHASING A TOBACCO PRODUCT; PHOTO ID REQUIRED"; and

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. No person shall sell or permit to be sold any tobacco product through any device that mechanically dispenses tobacco products unless the device is located fully within premises from which minors are prohibited or in industrial worksites where minors are not employed and not less than ten feet from all entrance or exit ways to and from each premises.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. No person shall sell or permit to be sold cigarettes not in the original unopened package or container to which the stamps required by RCW 82.24.060 have been affixed.

This section does not apply to the sale of loose leaf tobacco by a retail business that generates a minimum of sixty percent of annual gross sales from the sale of tobacco products.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) No person may engage in the business of sampling within the state unless licensed to do so by the board. If a firm contracts with a manufacturer to distribute samples of the manufacturer's products, that firm is deemed to be the person engaged in the business of sampling.

(2) The board shall issue a license to a sampler not otherwise disqualified by section 11 of this act upon application and payment of the fee.

(3) A sampler's license expires on the thirtieth day of June of each year and must be renewed annually upon payment of the appropriate fee.

(4) The board shall annually determine the fee for a sampler's license and each renewal. However, the fee for a manufacturer whose employees distribute samples within the state is five hundred dollars per annum, and the fee for all other samplers must be not less than fifty dollars per annum.

(5) A sampler's license entitles the licensee, and employees or agents of the licensee, to distribute samples at any lawful location in the state during the term of the license. A person engaged in sampling under the license shall carry the license or a copy at all times.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. (1) No person may distribute or offer to distribute samples in a public place. This prohibition does not apply to sampling (a) in an area to which persons under the age of eighteen are denied admission, (b) in or at a store or concession to which a retailer's license has been issued, or (c) at or adjacent to a production, repair, or outdoor construction site or facility.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, no person may distribute or offer to distribute samples in or on a public street, sidewalk, or park that is within five hundred feet of a playground, school, or other facility when that facility is being used primarily by persons under the age of eighteen for recreational, educational, or other purposes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. No person shall give or distribute cigarettes or other tobacco products to a person by a coupon if such coupon is redeemed in any manner that does not require an in-person transaction in a retail store.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A person under the age of eighteen who purchases or attempts to purchase or obtains or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to a fine as set out in chapter 7.80 RCW or participation in a smoking cessation program, or both. This provision does not apply if a person under the age of eighteen, with parental authorization, is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a liquor control board, law enforcement, or local health department activity.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. (1) Where there may be a question of a person's right to purchase or obtain tobacco products by reason of age, the retailer, sampler, or agent thereof, shall require the purchaser to present any one of the following officially issued identification that shows the purchaser's age and bears his or her signature and photograph: Liquor control authority card of identification of a state or province of Canada; driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card of a state or province of Canada; "identicard" issued by the Washington state department of licensing under chapter 46.20 RCW; United States military identification; passport; or merchant marine identification card issued by the United States coast guard.

(2) It is a defense to a prosecution under RCW 26.28.080(4) that the person making a sale reasonably relied on any of the officially issued identification as defined in subsection (1) of this section. The liquor control board shall waive the suspension or revocation of a license if the licensee clearly establishes that he or she acted in good faith to prevent violations and a violation occurred despite the licensee's exercise of due diligence.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. (1) The liquor control board may suspend or revoke a retailer's license held by a business at any location, or may impose a monetary penalty as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, if the liquor control board finds that the licensee has violated RCW 26.28.080(4), or section 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 of this act.

(2) The sanctions that the liquor control board may impose against a person licensed under RCW 82.24.530 and sections 6 and 7 of this act based upon one or more findings under subsection (1) of this section may not exceed the following:

(a) For violation of RCW 26.28.080(4) or section 3 of this act:

(i) A monetary penalty of one hundred dollars for the first violation within any two-year period;

(ii) A monetary penalty of three hundred dollars for the second violation within any two-year period;

(iii) A monetary penalty of one thousand dollars and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any two-year period;

(iv) A monetary penalty of one thousand five hundred dollars and suspension of the license for a period of twelve months for the fourth violation within any two-year period;

(v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any two-year period;

(b) For violations of section 4 of this act, a monetary penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars for each day upon which such violation occurred;

(i) A monetary penalty of one hundred dollars for the first violation within any two-year period;

(ii) A monetary penalty of three hundred dollars for the second violation within any two-year period;

(iii) A monetary penalty of one thousand dollars and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any two-year period;

(iv) A monetary penalty of one thousand five hundred dollars and suspension of the license for a period of twelve months for the fourth violation within any two-year period;

(v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any two-year period;

(d) For violations of sections 6 and 7 of this act, a monetary penalty in the amount of three hundred dollars for each violation;

(e) For violations of section 8 of this act, a monetary penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars for each violation.

(3) The liquor control board may impose a monetary penalty upon any person other than a licensed cigarette retailer or licensed sampler if the liquor control board finds that the person has violated RCW 26.28.080(4), or section 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 of this act.

(4) The monetary penalty that the liquor control board may impose based upon one or more findings under subsection (3) of this section may not exceed the following:

(a) For violation of RCW 26.28.080(4) or section 3 of this act, fifty dollars for the first violation and one hundred dollars for each subsequent violation;

(b) For violations of section 4 of this act, one hundred dollars for each day upon which such violation occurred;

(d) For violations of sections 6 and 7 of this act, three hundred dollars for each violation;

(e) For violations of section 8 of this act, one thousand dollars for each violation.

(5) The liquor control board may develop and offer a class for retail clerks and use this class in lieu of a monetary penalty for the clerk's first violation.

(6) The liquor control board may issue a cease and desist order to any person who is found by the liquor control board to have violated or intending to violate the provisions of this chapter, RCW 26.28.080(4) or 82.24.500, requiring such person to cease specified conduct that is in violation. The issuance of a cease and desist order shall not preclude the imposition of other sanctions authorized by this statute or any other provision of law.

(7) The liquor control board may seek injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of RCW 26.28.080(4) or 82.24.500 or this chapter. The liquor control board may initiate legal action to collect civil penalties imposed under this chapter if the same have not been paid within thirty days after imposition of such penalties. In any action filed by the liquor control board under this chapter, the court may, in addition to any other relief, award the liquor control board reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

(8) All proceedings under subsections (1) through (6) of this section shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. (1) The liquor control board shall, in addition to the board's other powers and authorities, have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080(4) and 82.24.500. The liquor control board shall have full power to revoke or suspend the license of any retailer or wholesaler in accordance with the provisions of section 11 of this act.

(2) The liquor control board and the board's authorized agents or employees shall have full power and authority to enter any place of business where tobacco products are sold for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

(3) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080(4) and 82.24.500, a peace officer or enforcement officer of the liquor control board who has reasonable grounds to believe a person observed by the officer purchasing, attempting to purchase, or in possession of tobacco products is under the age of eighteen years of age, may detain such person for a reasonable period of time and in such a reasonable manner as is necessary to determine the person's true identity and date of birth. Further, tobacco products possessed by persons under the age of eighteen years of age are considered contraband and may be seized by a peace officer or enforcement officer of the liquor control board.

(4) The liquor control board may work with local county health departments or districts and local law enforcement agencies to conduct random, unannounced, inspections to assure compliance.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. (1) The youth tobacco prevention account is created in the state treasury. All fees collected pursuant to RCW 82.24.520 and 82.24.530 and funds collected by the liquor control board from the imposition of monetary penalties and samplers' fees shall be deposited into this account, except that ten percent of all such fees and penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund.

(2) Moneys appropriated from the youth tobacco prevention account to the department of health shall be used by the department of health for implementation of this chapter, including collection and reporting of data regarding enforcement and the extent to which access to tobacco products by youth has been reduced.

(3) The department of health shall enter into interagency agreements with the liquor control board to pay the costs incurred, up to thirty percent of available funds, in carrying out its enforcement responsibilities under this chapter. Such agreements shall set forth standards of enforcement, consistent with the funding available, so as to reduce the extent to which tobacco products are available to individuals under the age of eighteen. The agreements shall also set forth requirements for data reporting by the liquor control board regarding its enforcement activities.

(4) The department of health and the department of revenue shall enter into an interagency agreement for payment of the cost of administering the tobacco retailer licensing system and for the provision of quarterly documentation of tobacco wholesaler, retailer, and vending machine names and locations.

(5) The department of health shall, within up to seventy percent of available funds, provide grants to local health departments or other local community agencies to develop and implement coordinated tobacco intervention strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use by youth.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. This chapter preempts political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing requirements for the licensure and regulation of tobacco product promotions and sales within retail stores, except that political subdivisions that have adopted ordinances prohibiting sampling by January 1, 1993, may continue to enforce these ordinances. No political subdivision may: (1) Impose fees or license requirements on retail businesses for possessing or selling cigarettes or tobacco products, other than general business taxes or license fees not primarily levied on tobacco products; or (2) regulate or prohibit activities covered by sections 3 through 9 of this act. This chapter does not otherwise preempt political subdivisions from adopting ordinances regulating the sale, purchase, use, or promotion of tobacco products not inconsistent with chapter ..., Laws of 1993 (this act).

Sec. 15. RCW 82.24.530 and 1986 c 321 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

A fee of ((~~ten~~)) ninety-three dollars shall accompany each retailer's license application or license renewal application. A separate license is required for each separate location at which the retailer operates. A fee of ((~~one~~)) thirty additional dollars for each vending machine shall accompany each application or renewal for a license issued to a retail dealer operating a cigarette vending machine.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. The department of health shall report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction for health issues no later than February 1, 1995, on the effectiveness of enforcement and education activities as specified in this act. This study shall include information concerning the adequacy of revenue to support enforcement and education activities.

Sec. 17. RCW 82.24.550 and 1986 c 321 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department of revenue shall enforce the provisions of this chapter except RCW 82.24.500, which will be enforced by the liquor control board. The department of revenue may adopt, amend, and repeal rules necessary to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter. The department of revenue has full power and authority to revoke or suspend the license or permit of any wholesale or retail cigarette dealer in the state upon sufficient cause appearing of the violation of this chapter or upon the failure of such licensee to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter.

(2) A license shall not be suspended or revoked except upon notice to the licensee and after a hearing as prescribed by the department of revenue. The department of revenue, upon a finding by same, that the licensee has failed to comply with any provision of this chapter or any rule promulgated thereunder, shall, in the case of the first offender, suspend the license or licenses of the licensee for a period of not less than thirty consecutive business days, and, in the case of a second or plural offender, shall suspend the license or licenses for a period of not less than ninety consecutive business days nor more than twelve months, and, in the event the department of revenue finds the offender has been guilty of willful and persistent violations, it may revoke the license or licenses.

(3) Any person whose license or licenses have been so revoked may apply to the department of revenue at the expiration of one year for a reinstatement of the license or licenses. The license or licenses may be reinstated by the department of revenue if it appears to the satisfaction of the department of revenue that the licensee will comply with the provisions of this chapter and the rules promulgated thereunder.

(4) A person whose license has been suspended or revoked shall not sell cigarettes or permit cigarettes to be sold during the period of such suspension or revocation on the premises occupied by the person or upon other premises controlled by the person or others or in any other manner or form whatever.

(5) Any determination and order by the department of revenue, and any order of suspension or revocation by the department of revenue of the license or licenses, or refusal to reinstate a license or licenses after revocation shall be reviewable by an appeal to the superior court of Thurston county. The superior court shall review the order or ruling of the department of revenue and may hear the matter de novo, having due regard to the provisions of this chapter and the duties imposed upon the department of revenue.

Sec. 18. RCW 82.24.560 and 1986 c 321 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

Except as specified in section 13 of this act, all fees and penalties received or collected by the department of revenue pursuant to this chapter shall be paid to the state treasurer, to be credited to the general fund.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. Sections 2 through 14 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 20. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected."

ESHB 2071 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Health & Human Services

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "tobacco;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 82.24.530, 82.24.550, and 82.24.560; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; creating new sections; and prescribing penalties."