Attorney General Becerra Announces Third Round of Tobacco Grant Program to Help Local Governments, Schools and Law Enforcement Curb Illegal Sales of Tobacco

Monday, June 17, 2019
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today urged local governments and agencies to apply for the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program that aims to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products, especially to minors. Eligible local public agencies that support programs to: enforce state and local laws related to the illegal sale and marketing of tobacco products to minors; investigate those activities; or conduct compliance checks to reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice will make $26 million in grant funding available for eligible local agencies.

This year, applicants will receive a template proposal, a budget template, and guidance that includes background information to fully understand the benefits the grant program has to offer. The deadline for localities to apply is Friday, July 12, 2019. Additional information on application requirements and eligibility criteria can be found here: https://oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants.

During the California Department of Justice’s Fiscal Years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, Attorney General Becerra announced the distribution of a total of $66 million in grants to 126 local entities throughout the state. The grants are being used to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and cigarette products to minors. For more information about the grant application process or qualifications, please visit the Attorney General’s webpage.

The Department of Justice’s Tobacco Grant Program is funded by Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016. Proposition 56 raised the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack, with an equivalent increase on other tobacco products. It allocates millions of dollars annually to the Department of Justice for distribution to local law enforcement agencies for the support and hiring of peace officers for various activities. These activities include investigations and compliance checks to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors.

# # #