Honorable Myra Crownover, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB647 by Isaac (Relating to prohibiting the sale of nicotine products to minors; creating an offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code to treat nicotine products in the same manner as cigarettes as they relate to distribution. The Department of State Health Services indicates any cost to implement provisions of the bill would be minimal and can be absorbed within available resources. The Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates there would be a cost associated with implementing provisions of the bill that would require it to update, print, and mail Texas Guidelines for Retail Tobacco Sales packets. It is anticipated that the cost could be absorbed within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
The bill would modify Class C misdemeanor offenses. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.
Source Agencies:
537 State Health Services, Department of, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 701 Central Education Agency