[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2684

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JANUARY 29, 1997

By Assemblymen GIBSON and BAGGER

An Act concerning the possession of tobacco products by minors and supplementing Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. a. It shall be illegal for any person under the age of 18 years to possess or have under his control tobacco or any tobacco product including cigars, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

    b. A law enforcement officer may confiscate any tobacco or tobacco product possessed in violation of subsection a. of this section.

    c. If a violation of subsection a. of this section occurs on the property of any public or private elementary of secondary school, the principal of the school and any other school employee authorized by the principal is authorized to confiscate the illegally possessed tobacco or tobacco product.

     ¹d. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to a person under the age of 18 years:

    (1) while actually engaged in the performance of employment when the possession of tobacco or a tobacco product is necessary to the performance of the person's employment duties; or

    (2) who possesses tobacco or a tobacco product when that possession is part of a law enforcement effort in connection with N.J.S.2A:170-51 which is approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services.¹

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Makes possession of tobacco products by minors illegal.