Plain English Breakdown
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.
HB4147 • 2026
Make underage tobacco possession unlawful
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
To House Judiciary
Introduced in House
To Judiciary
Filed for introduction
Make underage tobacco possession unlawful
HB 4147 Text skip navigation SENATE PRESIDENT SENATORS COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS SENATE CLERK SENATE RULES HOUSE SPEAKER DELEGATES COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS HOUSE CLERK HOUSE RULES HOUSE STAFF JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC INFORMATION LEGISLATIVE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DIVISION LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR'S OFFICE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & RESEARCH DIVISION POST AUDIT DIVISION BUDGET DIVISION REGULATORY AND FISCAL AFFAIRS DIVISION CLAIMS COMMISSION CRIME VICTIMS RULE-MAKING REVIEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS JUDICIAL COMP. COMMISSION JOINT RULES STAFF INFO BILL STATUS BILL STATUS BILL TRACKING STATE LAW WEST VIRGINIA CODE ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE CODE OF 1931 WV CONSTITUTION US CONSTITUTION REPORTS AGENCY REPORTS AGENCY GRANT AWARDS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS POST AUDITS EDUCATIONAL CITIZEN’S GUIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PAGE PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS PHOTO GALLERY CAPITOL HISTORY HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW CONTACT SENATE ROSTER HOUSE ROSTER PUBLIC INFO. NEWS RELEASES HELPFUL LINKS Introduced Version House Bill 4147 History | Email Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE 2026 REGULAR SESSION Introduced House Bill 4147 By Delegate Pritt [Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary] A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §16-9A-6, relating to the possession and use of tobacco products by a person under 21 years of age; setting out penalties; and providing exception for individuals assisting in tobacco compliance inspections. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: ARTICLE 9A. TOBACCO USAGE RESTRICTIONS. §16-9A-6. Use or possession of tobacco products by persons under the age of 21; penalties. (a) It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess or use any tobacco product. (b) Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as follows: (1) First offense - fined $50 and eight hours of community service; (2) Second offense - fined $100 and 16 hours of community service; and (3) Third and each subsequent offense - fined $200 and 24 hours of community service. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of §49-4-101 et seq. of this code, the magistrate court has concurrent jurisdiction over offenses under this section. (d) Individuals under 21 assisting in tobacco compliance inspections under §16-9A-7 of this code are not guilty of violating this section if the possession of the tobacco product is a part of such inspections. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to make possession or use of a tobacco derived product by a person under 21 unlawful. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added. Bill Status | Bill Tracking | Legacy WV Code | Bulletin Board | District Maps | Senate Roster | House Roster | Live | Blog | Jobs | Links | Home This Web site is maintained by the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information. | Terms of Use | Webmaster | © 2026 West Virginia Legislature ** Print On Demand Name: Email: Phone: