Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit local governments in Minnesota from banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. This affects counties, cities, and towns, ensuring that flavored products can be sold throughout the state despite any local ordinances that may seek to restrict them.

Main Provisions

• Definitions Adjustment: This bill includes definitions for critical terms such as "flavored products," which encompass tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products that have any distinct flavor other than regular tobacco. Examples of flavors include chocolate, fruit, menthol, and sweets.

• Restrictions on Local Governments: Under the proposed changes, local governments in Minnesota—whether a county, city, or town—cannot enact laws or ordinances that ban the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions.

• Notice Requirement: While allowing local governments to regulate tobacco sales more strictly, the bill requires these entities to notify affected parties, like licensees, of any intended substantial changes to such regulations 30 days before adopting or amending related local ordinances.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces a new prohibition against local government-imposed bans specifically targeting flavored tobacco products. This restricts local policy decisions, overruling potential local public health initiatives aimed at limiting access to flavored tobacco due to concerns about youth usage and health impacts.

Relevant Terms

flavored tobacco products, local ordinance, flavored products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, nicotine delivery products, menthol, city ordinance ban.