Sacramento, CA…California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced a new grant program to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products, especially to minors. The $30 million grant program, established and funded by the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Prop. 56), will be available to local law enforcement agencies throughout California starting in March 2018.

Approved by voters in 2016, Prop. 56 increased taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products by $2.00 starting in April 2017. The initiative specifically allocates $30 million of annual revenue to the California Department of Justice. These funds will support local law enforcement investigations intended to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors.

Eligible law enforcement agencies must submit applications to the California Department of Justice by March 23, 2018. Grant applications will be assessed for their potential to improve enforcement of laws relating to the sale, marketing, and restrictions on the use of tobacco products.

Additional information on application requirements and eligibility criteria is available here.

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