Tennessee implemented a new law that imposes fines of $10 to $50 on individuals under 21 who use a fake ID to illegally purchase nicotine or hemp products. The legislation expands penalties for repeated offenses and places financial responsibility on the families of minors who violate the statute.

The new law grants the general session and juvenile court discretion to impose up to 50 hours of community service or a prescribed court program for a second or subsequent violation within one year. In addition to penalties for the minors, the new law imposes financial penalties on the parents or guardians of minors who violate the provisions. These measures build upon Tennessee Code § 39-17-1505, which already imposed civil penalties of $10 to $50 for underage tobacco product purchases with community service options for repeat violations.

Enforcement of age restrictions operates within a regulatory framework where retailers in Tennessee are not currently required to obtain a specific license to sell nicotine products. However, the 2024 Tennessee Tobacco Retailer Guide mandates retailers to verify IDs for customers appearing under 50, requiring photo IDs with birth dates to confirm age. HB1679 specifies that probation for violations must be supervised by private probation services, not the Tennessee Department of Corrections, per Tenn.

Code Ann. § 40-35-302(f)(1). The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts reported 88.75 youth annually placed on informal adjustment periods for tobacco-related violations between 2020 and 2023.

Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that a portion of youth have ever used electronic vapor products. Dana Reno, director of Nashville Thrives, addressed the implications of these statistics for prevention efforts. She said it is important to inform youth that most of their peers are choosing not to use electronic vapor products.

She also showed the economic benefits of prevention initiatives. Research shows that in addition to saving lives, every dollar invested in evidence-based prevention programs can help communities avoid more than $60 in future healthcare, criminal justice and social service costs, according to Reno.

The enactment of this law alters the legal consequences for underage purchases in a state with a population of 6,346,105. By shifting probation supervision to private services and holding parents financially liable, the state changes the enforcement structure for nicotine and hemp violations. The existing retailer guide requires ID checks for customers appearing under 50, which aligns with the new law's goal of reducing underage access through stricter verification and penalties.