In 2022, California voters upheld Senate Bill 793 (SB 793) through Proposition 31, banning the sale of flavored tobacco products to reduce youth access and promote public health. This landmark decision reflected the will of the people and set clear boundaries for flavored tobacco regulation.

However, the California Legislature has now passed Assembly Bill 3218 (AB 3218) and Senate Bill 1230 (SB 1230), significantly expanding the flavored tobacco ban to prohibit online sales and impose additional restrictions. These measures go beyond what voters approved, disregarding the democratic process and undermining public trust in our government.

Why This Matters:

• Legislative Overreach: AB 3218 and SB 1230 retroactively adjust the voter-approved law, bypassing the public’s input and altering the scope of Proposition 31. This sets a dangerous precedent where elected officials can override voter decisions without accountability.
• Unnecessary Restrictions: Online sales of flavored tobacco products already have strict safeguards, including mandatory age verification at purchase and delivery, as well as built-in shipping delays that prevent immediate access. These protections align with the original goal of restricting youth access without penalizing law-abiding adults.

Our Demands:

We call on the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom to:

• Respect Voter Intent: Amend or repeal AB 3218 and SB 1230 to ensure they reflect the original intent of Proposition 31 as decided by the voters.
• Focus on Enforcement: Enhance enforcement of existing laws for age verification during online purchases and delivery, instead of imposing blanket bans on online sales.
• Uphold Democracy: Refrain from passing legislation that fundamentally alters voter-approved measures without seeking additional public input through a new vote or referendum.

What’s at Stake: The ability to purchase flavored tobacco online with proper safeguards is a legal right for adult consumers. By expanding restrictions without voter approval, the Legislature undermines our democratic process, setting a precedent that weakens the voice of Californians in deciding laws that affect them.

We, the undersigned, urge California’s leaders to prioritize democracy, fairness, and balance in public health policy. Stop the legislative overreach, respect the will of the voters, and focus on smarter solutions to protect youth without unnecessarily punishing adults.

Sign this petition today to stand for fairness, democracy, and accountability in California!