#United States #California #Gavin Newsom #Tobacco Control #AB 573

California Takes a Stand Against Illegal Flavored Tobacco Products

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of children, California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed Assembly Bill 573, a crucial measure authored by Assemblymember Chris Rogers. This bill represents a major step in reinforcing the state's prohibition on illegal flavored tobacco sales, particularly e-cigarettes, which have become alarmingly prevalent despite existing restrictions.

The Context of the New Legislation

California's flavored tobacco law, established in December 2022, was hailed as a landmark victory for public health. Unfortunately, illegal flavored tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, have continued to flood the market. As reported in May 2025, these products comprised over 31% of total e-cigarette sales in California. Various studies indicate that flavored disposable e-cigarettes and pod systems are present in more than half of the state's vape shops, thereby undermining the legislation's goals.

Under the provisions of AB 573, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will receive essential funding to bolster the enforcement of the flavored tobacco sales ban. This funding will support enhanced seizure operations aimed at illegal tobacco products, which have become too easy to access for young people in the state.

Key Features of AB 573

The new legislation introduces several vital changes:

• - Increased Tobacco Retailer License Fee: The annual state tobacco retailer license fee will be raised to $450. This increase is designed to sustain CDTFA's compliance program and ensure adequate funding for enforcement activities.
• - Enhanced Inspections: With additional resources, the CDTFA can conduct more frequent inspections of tobacco retailers across California. These inspections will help identify and penalize recurring violators, crucial for maintaining compliance with state law.
• - Comprehensive Studies: The bill mandates a thorough study of California's tobacco enforcement landscape, aimed at improving coordination among various state agencies involved in tobacco control.

Currently, the CDTFA can only inspect around 11% of tobacco retailers each year; without this new funding, that number would likely drop. AB 573 not only fills a critical gap in enforcement but also reinforces California's commitment to reducing tobacco usage and preventing nicotine addiction among youth.

The Impact of This Change

Supporters of the bill laud it as a monumental achievement in tobacco control advocacy. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other public health advocates have applauded Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Rogers for their leadership in this essential public health initiative. This law is expected to significantly limit accessibility to flavored tobacco products that target minors, protect young people from addiction, and promote health equity across the state.

In conclusion, AB 573 is a proactive measure that aims to advance California's fight against tobacco-related harm, ensuring that the state's laws effectively safeguard the health of its youth while contributing to the broader public health effort. As enforcement begins to ramp up, it becomes increasingly important to stay vigilant against illegal sales that can undermine these significant public health measures. By taking these steps, California leads the way in policy advancements that prioritize the welfare of its children and the community at large.