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Committee restores pre‑repeal tobacco possession rules; local law‑enforcement and schools urged restoration of diversion options
Summary
The committee adopted a substitute consolidating multiple tobacco bills and reported language that would reinstate prior possession restrictions for those under 21, with members discussing civil‑penalty vs. misdemeanor approaches and the value of diversion and education programs for juveniles.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee consolidated several tobacco bills and adopted a substitute intended to restore statutory language that had been repealed last year around possession of retail tobacco and hemp products by persons under 21.
Senator Tara Durant and Senator Peake led the discussion; Deonte Diggs, a Stafford County lieutenant who oversees the school resource officer program, testified in support of restoring accountability for underage possession and said schools used to have diversion and educational programs (escrow…
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