Oklahoma Set to Reintroduce Fines for Underage Tobacco Buyers (Update)

Last year, Oklahoma’s governor signed into law a bill that got rid of fines for people under the age of 21-years-old caught buying tobacco. Instead, those who violated the state’s Tobacco 21 ordinance are instructed to take a tobacco education program. Earlier this week, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed H.B. 2165, which would reintroduce fines for those caught violating the law.

Update (April 26, 2023) — On Monday, April 24, the Oklahoma Senate passed H.B. 2165 by a vote of 39-7 with two members abstaining. It now heads to the desk of Gov. Kevin Stitt. 

The new language isn’t simply restoring what was removed, as the cost of the fines will change. If passed, the new punishment structure would still call for someone to take a tobacco education program. If they did not complete the program, they could be fined $50 for the first offense and $100 for any subsequent offense(s). Previously, those amounts were $100 and $200, respectively, and there was the risk that a person could have their driver’s license suspended. There’s no language in H.B. 2165 regarding suspended driver’s licenses, though the new bill would allow for a court to order someone to complete community service.

In addition to restoring fines as a form of punishment, H.B. 2165 would also restore the ability of local cities and municipalities to issue their own punishments, something that was removed last year.

H.B. 2165 passed the Oklahoma House by a vote of 71-16 with 14 members abstaining. It now moves to the Oklahoma Senate.

This story was originally published on March 17.