UNDERAGE TOBACCO SALES:  INCREASE PENALTIES

House Bill 4444

Sponsor:  Rep. Dudley Spade

Committee:  Commerce

Complete to 6-1-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4444 AS INTRODUCED 3-13-07

The bill would amend the Youth Tobacco Act to increase penalties for selling or furnishing tobacco to a minor.  It establishes separate, higher penalties for sales at a distance.

The current misdemeanor fine is $50 per violation.  The bill would increase the fines to:

o                   $100 for a first violation; $250 for a second violation; and $500 for a third or subsequent violation.

o                   If the violation is an Internet, mail order, or telephone sale of a tobacco product to a person under 18:  $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation; and $2,000 for a third or subsequent violation.

            MCL 722.641

           

FISCAL IMPACT:

To the extent that the bill increased collections of penal fine revenues, it could benefit local libraries, which are the constitutionally-designated recipients of such revenues.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.