The group said latest statistics indicate that the use of tobacco among minors on the islands had significantly increased.
John Atalig Ayuyu, Floor Leader of YC, said Youth Congress Bill 11-04 is designed to address this problem.
The bill seeks to amend Public Law 11-75 — the law that prohibits the sale, consumption or possession of tobacco or tobacco products by minors.
Youth Congress members said the current anti-tobacco law among minors is not really that effective and its strict enforcement is not followed.
“We filed the bill so we could help the youth to stop the usage of harmful substances like drugs and tobacco,” Ayuyu said.
The amendments proposed include increasing the fine of the person who violated the law to $2,500 from $1,000 and/or a year in jail and to perform 350 hours of community service.
It also includes a recommendation to increase fees for the application of license to sell tobacco and changing the laidback penalties for the business that violated the law, to more hostile chastisement.
