ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2684

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: NOVEMBER 17, 1997

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2684.

      As amended by the committee, this bill would make it illegal for persons under 18 years of age to possess tobacco or any tobacco product such as cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. The bill also authorizes law enforcement officers and school officials to confiscate illegally possessed tobacco products.

      The committee amended the bill at the request of the sponsor to exempt from its provisions a minor who possesses tobacco or a tobacco product:

∙    while actually engaged in the performance of employment when the possession is necessary to the performance of the person's employment duties; or

∙    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.