California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 3218 into law, aimed at bolstering the enforcement of the state's flavored tobacco ban. This legislation grants new authority to the Attorney General's office to impose penalties on sellers who fail to comply with the ban and establishes a list of permissible unflavored tobacco products that can be sold in California.
Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized California's leadership in combating the sale of addictive flavored tobacco products. "California has been a leader in combatting the sale of addictive flavored tobacco products, and AB 3218 will further strengthen these efforts by providing new tools to protect the health of all Californians, particularly our youth, from the dangers of these harmful products," said Bonta. He also expressed gratitude towards Governor Newsom, Speaker Robert Rivas, and Assemblymember Jim Wood for their roles in holding the tobacco industry accountable.
Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Jim Wood, who co-authored AB 3218 along with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, stated his long-standing opposition to tobacco use: "As a practicing dentist, I have forever opposed the use of tobacco of any kind, and will continue to support policies that restrict its use." He highlighted his past efforts on similar measures during his tenure on the Healdsburg City Council.
Speaker Robert Rivas reiterated their commitment to protecting young people from harmful tobacco products. "We will always work to strengthen laws that protect California’s young people from the harms of addictive flavored tobacco products," he said.
Jamie Morgan from the American Heart Association praised AB 3218 for its potential impact. "This bill will strengthen enforcement of California’s landmark law prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products and further our goal to protect youth from a lifetime of addiction to nicotine," she noted.
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, commended state officials for their dedication. “The measures signed today will crack down on tobacco industry efforts to evade the law so they can keep targeting kids,” she remarked.
Kesa Bruce from the American Lung Association also lauded Governor Newsom's commitment: "By signing AB 3218 and SB 1230, the Governor has given our state the tools it needs to effectively enforce our flavored tobacco ban."
AB 3218 becomes effective on January 1, 2025. The legislation outlines several key provisions:
- A publicly available list identifying permissible unflavored tobacco products.
- Authorization for civil penalties against sellers offering non-compliant products.
- Seizure provisions for unauthorized items.
- Revised definitions expanding what constitutes prohibited flavors.
These measures build upon prior actions taken by California against illegal sales targeting youth. In April, Attorney General Bonta announced nearly $28.5 million in grant funding through California Department of Justice’s Tobacco Grant Program aimed at reducing illegal sales at local levels.
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