TITLE X
PUBLIC HEALTH

CHAPTER 126-K
YOUTH ACCESS TO AND USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Section 126-K:6

    126-K:6 Possession and Use of Tobacco Products, E-cigarettes, E-Liquid or Alternative Nicotine Products by Persons Who Have Not Attained 21 Years of Age. –
I. No person under 21 years of age shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, or use any tobacco product, e-cigarette, device, e-liquid, or alternative nicotine products.
II. The prohibition on possession of tobacco products, devices, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or alternative nicotine products shall not be deemed to prohibit minors employed by any manufacturer, wholesaler, sub-jobber, vending machine operator, sampler, or retailer from performing the necessary handling of tobacco products, devices, e-cigarettes, or e-liquids during the duration of their employment.
III. A person who has not attained 21 years of age shall not misrepresent his or her age for the purpose of purchasing tobacco products, devices, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or alternative nicotine products.

[Paragraph IV effective January 1, 2027.]


IV. Notwithstanding RSA 169-B and RSA 169-D, a person 12 years of age and older who violates this section shall not be considered a delinquent or a child in need of services.

[Paragraph V effective January 1, 2027.]


V. Any person who has not attained 21 years of age who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100 for each offense or shall be required to complete up to 20 hours of community service for each offense, or both. Where available, punishment may also include participation in an education program.

Source. 1997, 338:8. 2010, 113:7, eff. July 31, 2010. 2019, 259:5, eff. July 1, 2019; 346:103, eff. Jan. 1, 2020. 2020, 37:113, eff. July 29, 2020. 2021, 122:13, eff. Sept. 7, 2021. 2024, 141:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2025. 2026, 259:7, eff. Jan. 1, 2027.