Idaho § 39-5710 - Conduct of enforcement actions

§ 39-5710. Conduct of enforcement actions

(1) It is the intent of the legislature that law enforcement agencies, the attorney general, and the department shall enforce this chapter in a manner that can reasonably be expected to significantly reduce the extent to which tobacco products and electronic smoking devices are sold or distributed to minors.

(2) Law enforcement agencies may conduct random, unannounced inspections at locations where tobacco products or electronic smoking devices are sold or distributed to ensure compliance with this chapter. A copy of all citations issued under this chapter shall be submitted to the department.

(3) The department shall conduct at least one (1) random, unannounced inspection per year at all locations where tobacco products or electronic smoking devices are sold or distributed at retail to ensure compliance with this chapter. The department shall conduct inspections for minor-exempt permittees without the assistance of a minor. The department shall conduct inspections for all other permittees with the assistance of a minor. Each year, the department shall conduct random, unannounced inspections equal to the number of permittees on the last day of the calendar year multiplied by the violation percentage rate reported for the previous year multiplied by a factor of ten (10). In no instance will the number of inspections exceed twice the number of permittees. Local law enforcement agencies are encouraged to contract with the department to perform these required inspections.

(4) Minors may assist with random, unannounced inspections, provided that minors under the age of eighteen (18) years must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. When assisting with these inspections, minors shall not provide false identification or make any false statement regarding their age.

(5) Citizens may file a written complaint of noncompliance of this chapter with the department or with a law enforcement agency. Permit holders under 26 U.S.C. 5712 may file written complaints relating to delivery sales to the department or the attorney general’s offices. Complaints shall be investigated and the proper enforcement actions taken.

(6) Within a reasonable time, not later than two (2) business days after an inspection has occurred, a representative of the business inspected shall be informed in writing of the results of the inspection.

(7) The attorney general or his designee, or any person who holds a permit under 26 U.S.C. 5712, may bring an action in district court in Idaho to prevent or restrain violations of this chapter by any person or by any person controlling such person.

[39-5710, added 1998, ch. 418, sec. 2, p. 1321; am. 2001, ch. 39, sec. 3, p. 75; am. 2003, ch. 159, sec. 2, p. 450; am. 2003, ch. 273, sec. 2, p. 729; am. 2012, ch. 39, sec. 6, p. 121; am. 2020, ch. 318, sec. 10, p. 911; am. 2022, ch. 113, sec. 5, p. 420; am. 2025, ch. 64, sec. 8, p. 308.]