A New Jersey bill that would sharply increase penalties for retailers that sell tobacco and vaping products to people under 21 was approved by the Assembly Health Committee in a 9-1 vote.

The legislation would raise fines for unlawful sales from the current minimums of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1,000 for subsequent offenses to $750, $1,500, and $3,000 respectively.

The bill would also broaden the law’s language to prohibit retailers from selling any “tobacco product” to individuals under 21, replacing narrower references to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and electronic smoking devices.

Under the proposal, “tobacco product” would include any item containing, made from, or derived from tobacco or nicotine intended for human consumption, as well as vapor products and accessories. The definition specifically includes items such as rolling papers, blunt or hemp wraps, hookahs and pipes. FDA-approved smoking cessation products would remain exempt.

In addition, the bill would direct the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury to create a compliance reporting process for retailers and establish a mechanism for anonymous reporting of violations.

Retailers that repeatedly violate the law could also face suspension or revocation of their tobacco retail licenses following municipal hearings and recommendations to the Division of Taxation.