Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Kenneth Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Acceptance of State of California Department of Justice (DOJ) Funding
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of California Department of Justice (DOJ) for distribution of the FY 2025 Tobacco Grant Program funds to the County of San Mateo Sheriff’s Office, for the term of November 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $96,276; and
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BACKGROUND:
The California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Proposition 56) funding helps promote a healthier California and supports local law enforcement efforts to reduce illegal retail sales and marketing of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors. The Tobacco Grant Program funds will enable the Sheriff’s Office to conduct high-impact, proactive enforcement activities which are essential for enforcing state tobacco laws and local County ordinances, thereby protecting the health of the County’s youth.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office applied for and has been awarded the FY 2025 Tobacco Grant Program grant in the amount of $96,276, for a period commencing November 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028.
Funding will support high-priority, enforcement-focused activities such as: minor decoy and shoulder tap operations to ensure retailers do not sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes to minors; regular, unannounced inspections of licensed tobacco retailers to verify compliance with all state and local laws; consumer protection enforcement actions related to illegal sales, particularly online sales and illegal/unlicensed products; and retailer education and diversion by providing training and resources to local tobacco retailers to increase voluntary compliance and reduce recidivism among first-time violators.
Additionally, funding will support personnel and administrative costs.
Although the grant performance period is currently in effect, the State requires a Board resolution authorizing execution of the grant, including any extensions or amendments.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Accepting this grant funding is critical to sustaining and expanding targeted law enforcement efforts - such as minor decoy operations and retailer compliance checks - designed to prevent the illegal sale and marketing of tobacco and e-cigarette products to minors. The funding supports enforcement of state laws, such as the flavored tobacco ban, and local ordinances, directly advancing youth public health by reducing access to nicotine products, addressing the vaping epidemic, promoting equitable enforcement across the county, and maintaining a compliant, law-abiding retail environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Memorandum of Understanding with the State of California Department of Justice (DOJ) is for an amount not to exceed $96,276 and for the term of November 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028. Funding for this grant is included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost.