Possession, etc., of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age; liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products license; prohibitions; enforcement. Prohibits any person younger than 21 years of age from possessing any retail tobacco or hemp product intended for smoking, as those terms are defined in relevant law, with certain exceptions enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that any such product purchased or possessed by a person younger than 21 years of age (i) shall be deemed contraband and (ii) may be seized by a law-enforcement officer. Any such product, the lawful possession of which is not established, seized by such officer shall be forfeited and disposed of according to the process described in relevant law. The bill also provides that seizure shall be the sole penalty for a violation of such prohibition and that the provisions of the bill shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute. Further, if a person does not receive a license from the Department of Taxation to sell, deal, transport, or ship liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products to retailers in the Commonwealth, such person is subject to a penalty of $400, in addition to any other applicable taxes or fees. The bill provides that the Department of Taxation is not required pursuant to relevant law to conduct unannounced investigations of retail tobacco dealers at least once every 24 months to verify that a retail dealer is not selling retail tobacco products to persons younger than 21 years of age. Lastly, the bill requires the Department of Taxation to convene a work group consisting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, the Office of the Attorney General, the Virginia State Police, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services to develop an enforcement program related to the sale of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking to individuals younger than 21 years of age. The work group's findings and recommendations are to be reported to the Chairs of the House Committees on General Laws and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Rehabilitation and Social Services and Finance and Appropriations no later than November 1, 2025. This bill is identical to HB 1946.
Sponsored bills
Synthetic digital content; penalty; work group. Expands the applicability of provisions related to defamation, slander, and libel to include synthetic digital content, defined in the bill. The bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to use any synthetic digital content for the purpose of committing any criminal offense involving fraud, constituting a separate and distinct offense with punishment separate and apart from any punishment received for the commission of the primary criminal offense. The bill also authorizes the individual depicted in the synthetic digital content to bring a civil action against the person who violates such prohibition to recover actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and such other relief as the court determines to be appropriate. The bill directs the Attorney General to convene a work group to study and make recommendations on the current enforcement of laws related to the use of synthetic digital content, including deepfakes, and any further action needed to address the issue of such use in fraudulent acts. The substantive provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly and the provisions directing the Attorney General to convene a work group become effective in due course. This bill is identical to HB 2124.
Maddy summaryHJ 648 is a ceremonial resolution commending Patricia Miller for her contributions. It does not create new laws or affect policies, as it is a non-binding expression of appreciation. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate by voice vote and is now finalized. This type of resolution typically honors individuals for community service, achievements, or other notable work without altering legal obligations.
Maddy summaryHJ 632 is a ceremonial resolution commending Marymount University for its contributions to education and community service. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or organizations legally. The resolution serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the Virginia General Assembly. As a non-binding resolution, it has no practical impact beyond recognition.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJ 636) that formally commends the Honorable R. Frances O'Brien for her service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution was unanimously agreed to by both the House and Senate in February 2025 and is now enacted as a symbolic gesture of recognition. It directly honors R. Frances O'Brien, likely for her contributions during her time in office.
Maddy summaryHJ 633 is a ceremonial resolution formally recognizing and commending the passage of the Older Americans Act. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or programs. The bill serves only as a symbolic expression of support from the legislature, with no substantive policy changes or implementation mechanisms. This type of resolution is standard practice for acknowledging significant federal legislation.
Maddy summaryHJ 630 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the life of Bonnie Sue Neighbour. It does not create new policies, alter laws, or affect any specific group or individual through legislative action. The resolution serves as a formal expression of remembrance by the legislature. It passed both the House and Senate in early 2025 and was signed into law as a symbolic gesture. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryHJ 646 is a ceremonial resolution commending Jimmie H. Barrett for their contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, rights, or resources. The bill passed both the House and Senate by voice vote and was enrolled as a formal commendation. This type of resolution is purely symbolic and has no practical impact on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Matthew Robert Chiaverotti. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation, citizens, or government operations. The resolution formally celebrates his life and legacy through a symbolic gesture by the legislature. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Maddy summaryHJ 616 is a ceremonial resolution commending Colonel Gary T. Settle for his service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals financially or operationally. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions through a non-binding expression of appreciation from the legislature. This procedural bill was passed unanimously by both chambers with no substantive impact beyond the symbolic commendation.