HB 4440
Permitting law enforcement to issue a citation when students are caught with nicotine in schools.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows law enforcement officers in West Virginia to issue citations to students in public or charter schools who are caught possessing nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices and tobacco products. Currently, these violations are handled through non-criminal penalties like education or community service for adults. The bill aims to increase accountability for students possessing nicotine on school grounds.
Key provisions
- Allows law enforcement to issue citations to students possessing nicotine in schools.
- Defines nicotine products to include electronic smoking devices and tobacco products.
- Establishes non-criminal penalties (education, diversion programs, community service) for adults who violate tobacco sales restrictions.
- Employers can dismiss employees who sell tobacco to minors.
- The Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner will create rules for education classes, diversion programs, and community service.
Who is affected
- Students in public and charter schools
- Law enforcement officers
- School administrators
- Public schools and charter schools
- West Virginia
Notable changes
- Expands the ability of law enforcement to address student possession of nicotine products.
- Replaces current non-criminal penalties for students with a citation-based system.
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