Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the opening of proposals for the 2024-2025 Tobacco Grant Program, which aims to address the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors. With approximately $28.5 million in grant funding available, local agencies are encouraged to apply and utilize the funds to enforce laws related to tobacco sales and marketing.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement to combat the dangers of illicit tobacco products. He stated, "We must continue to enforce California’s laws around tobacco products, and this funding will allow our communities to do just that, and hold those who violate the law accountable."

Highlighting the harmful effects of flavored tobacco products on young people, Attorney General Bonta stressed the need to address the issue. He mentioned, "Companies make and market tobacco products that target our youth with a myriad of kid-friendly flavors and loaded with the highly addictive chemical nicotine," which can have adverse effects on the developing brains of children and young adults.

The California Department of Justice's Tobacco Grant Program focuses on reducing childhood addiction to tobacco products by supporting local partners in enforcing retail flavor bans, penalizing retailers who sell to minors, educating tobacco retailers on laws, and ensuring compliance with licensing regulations.

Funded by Proposition 56, the program has already distributed approximately $185 million in grant funding to various grantees through a competitive process. Attorney General Bonta's dedication to combatting illegal tobacco marketing and sales was demonstrated through his involvement in securing a $462 million settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc. last year, with California receiving the highest amount of $175.8 million.

For further details on the grant application process and qualifications, interested parties are encouraged to visit oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants.