SACRAMENTO — California's local governments and agencies can apply for the state's Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program, which will distribute $28.5 million to recipients to help reduce illegal sales of tobacco products, especially to minors, according to the state attorney general.
California's Attorney General Xavier Becerra is urging local entities to apply for the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tax Act (Proposition 56) grant funding, which is available to cities, counties or local agencies, public schools, college districts and law enforcement agencies as well as city attorneys or county councils.
According to the Attorney General's Office, the grant is funded through a $2 tax increase on cigarettes and other tobacco products that took effect in 2016. Last year the state distributed $37.5 million statewide to 71 agencies and local governments throughout the state.
"Grant applications for the next cycle of awards will be assessed for their potential to improve the enforcement of laws relating to the sale, marketing, and use of tobacco products," the Attorney General's Office wrote in a statement.
The deadline for grant applications is Oct. 5 and potential grantees can visit https://www.oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants\ or contact tobaccogrants@doj.ca.gov for additional information.