It shall be is unlawful for any person to sell, furnish, give, or provide any minor under the age of eighteen years with cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, cigarette or rolling paper, or any substitute therefor. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any violations of this section shall be tried in magistrate's court. One-half of any fine imposed shall be paid to the informer of the offense and the other half to the treasurer of the county in which such conviction shall be had. All fines imposed must be paid to the treasurer of the county or municipality in which the conviction occurred. It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years of age to purchase or knowingly possess cigarettes, cigars, smokeless or chewing tobacco, tobacco samples, cigarette or rolling paper, or any substitute for these.
Possession is prima facie evidence that it was knowingly possessed.
A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars. All fines imposed must be paid to the treasurer of the county or municipality in which the conviction occurred. This section does not apply to a minor participating in the annual Youth Access to Tobacco Study, which is required by Section 1926 of federal Public Law 102-321 and conducted by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, or any employee who is a minor lawfully engaged in the sale or delivery of tobacco products in an unopened package. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.