Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2021 into law. This law:

1. Increases existing fines on firms, corporations, businesses, retailers, and wholesalers who knowingly sell or furnish tobacco, tobacco paraphernalia, or instruments designed for the smoking or ingestion of tobacco or any controlled substance to a person under the age of 21 to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $5,000 for any subsequent offenses.
2. Imposes fines on a person who knowingly sells or furnishes tobacco to a person under the age of 21 to $200 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1000 for the third offense.

This is a huge victory for public health in California! AB 2021 will reduce illegal sales to minors by increasing penalties on anyone who sells tobacco products or paraphernalia to minors. This law goes into effect January 1, 2025. Another victory for public health in California.