OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has introduced House Bill 1682 which aims to hold businesses more accountable for selling tobacco and vapor products to minors, to ultimately protect youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction.

The bill, titled The Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act, would impose fines on employees and store managers who sell tobacco products to anyone under 21. Under the proposed legislation, repeat violations could result in the suspension of a store’s tobacco or vape sales license. 

“The Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act would ensure that both employees and store managers share responsibility for preventing underage cigarette and vape sales,” said Roe. “This bill holds them accountable and would take a strong stance to protect Oklahoma youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping and the risk of a lifetime of addiction.”

Under the proposed legislation, fines for illegal sales would increase with repeated offenses. Employees would face fines starting at $100 for a first offense, rising to $300 by the third, while store managers would face fines from $250 to $1,000. A fourth offense within two years would maintain these fines and could result in a store license suspension of up to 60 days.

The bill would also grant local governments and law enforcement the authority to enforce these rules, which Roe says would reinforce efforts to curb illegal sales across the state.

The Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act also aligns with the goals of the Healthy Youth Initiative, a program led by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) which helps young Oklahomans make healthier choices. According to the Tobacco-Free Kids Organization, 21.8% of Oklahoma teens use e-cigarettes which is double the national average.

"Vaping has become an epidemic among teens and is increasingly linked to mental health issues, as vape companies falsely market their products as stress relievers," Roe said. "These misleading claims trap teens in addiction, harm their health and make it difficult for them to quit. This bill educates young people on the serious consequences of vaping and tobacco use. The choices we make in our younger years have a lasting impact on our health and can ultimately shorten our lifespan."

HB1682 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.