Counter Tools is thrilled to congratulate Nebraska, one of our partnering states, on two exciting policy victories!
This bill makes Nebraska the 33rd state to pass statewide T21 legislation. By raising the minimum legal sale age (MLSA) to 21, the state now aligns with the federal law, which helps to reduce consumer and retailer confusion and allows for both FDA and state-level enforcement. The new law will go into effect on October 1, 2020. Nebraska’s bill also raises the age to enter a tobacco specialty store from 19 to 21 and codifies that individuals between the age of 15 and 20 can assist law enforcement in compliance checks of tobacco vendors with written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
This bill expands the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act to include electronic smoking devices in the definition of ‘smoking’. The Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in a place of employment or public place, and this expanded definition will go into effect on November 14, 2020. With the passage of this bill, Nebraska becomes the 11th state to prohibit the use of electronic smoking devices in non-hospitality workplaces, restaurants, bars and gaming facilities.
We look forward to continuing to partner with Nebraska to counteract commercial tobacco product sales and marketing at the point of sale.
Learn more about Nebraska’s efforts in Tobacco Point-of-Sale here.
