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Author narrows tobacco buffer amid business concerns; health groups shift to neutral
Summary
SB 13 14 would bar new tobacco retailers from opening within 600 feet of schools or day care centers and ban nitrous oxide sales; author accepted committee amendments, health groups moved from oppose to neutral, and business groups urged more work on exemptions and transfer rules.
Senator Menjivar told the committee SB 13 14 (the author called it "Youth Over Smoke") aims to reduce youth exposure by prohibiting new tobacco retailers within 600 feet of a school or day-care center starting July 1, 2027, and by banning nitrous oxide sales and related paraphernalia.
"This is not going to raise gas prices nor impact their profitability or existence," Menjivar said in describing the amendments; he emphasized the measure applies only to new retailers and does not affect existing businesses that lawfully operate. Public-health groups including the California District Attorneys Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids spoke in support; the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association said the amendment changed their stance from opposed to neutral.
Industry witnesses including John Wenger of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance and the California Distributors Association warned the committee that about 805 stations fall within the 600-foot buffer and raised concerns about transfers, license equity and the potential for a de facto ban on future gas stations. Several committee members pressed the author on exemptions for grocery stores and whether tobacco licenses can be transferred; the author said she will continue working with stakeholders and committee staff to clarify transferability and exceptions.
When the committee obtained quorum later in the hearing, the motion to pass SB 13 14 as amended to appropriations was recorded in a roll-call vote.
