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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to limitations on the age of individuals allowed to enter |
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the premises of a smoke shop; creating a criminal offense. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 161, Health and Safety |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0877 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 161.0877. PROHIBITED ENTRY OF MINORS ON PREMISES OF |
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SMOKE SHOPS; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) In this section, "smoke shop" |
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means an establishment for which the gross receipts from the retail |
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sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products on the |
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establishment's premises is at least 50 percent of the total gross |
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receipts from the retail sale of all items on the premises. |
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(b) An employee or owner of a smoke shop may not allow a |
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minor to enter the premises of the smoke shop unless the minor is |
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accompanied by the minor's adult parent or guardian. |
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(c) An employee or owner of a smoke shop commits an offense |
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if the employee or owner knowingly violates this section. An |
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offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine |
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not to exceed $500. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |