Cigarette and tobacco product licensing: fees and funding.

The Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003 requires the State Board of Equalization to administer a statewide program to license manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers of cigarettes and tobacco products. That act requires retailers of cigarettes and tobacco products to obtain a separate license for each retail location from the board, which is issued upon receipt of a completed application and payment of a one-time fee, unless specified conditions apply. This bill would require a fee of $265 to be submitted with each license application, as described above. The bill would require, for calendar years beginning on and after January 1, 2017, a retailer to file an application for renewal of a retailer's license accompanied with a fee of $265 per retail location, in the form and manner prescribed by the board. The Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003 requires a wholesaler or distributor that commences business selling or distributing cigarettes or tobacco products, or that commences doing so at a new or different place of business in the state, to apply for a license accompanied by a required fee of $1,000 for each location. The act also requires a wholesaler or distributor to file an application for a license renewal accompanied by a required fee of $1,000 for each location where cigarettes and tobacco products are sold. The bill would raise the fees described above to $1,200. The bill would require the board to report to the Legislature no later than January 1, 2019, regarding the adequacy of funding for the Cigarette and Tobacco Licensing Act of 2003, as specified.