62 local government agencies across California will receive a total of $28.5 million through the California Department of Justice’s 2025-2026 Proposition 56 Tobacco Grant Program, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on November 26, 2025. The grant program aims to support efforts to reduce illegal tobacco sales to underage youth and includes recipients such as law enforcement agencies, prosecuting agencies, public health departments, cities, and counties.
This year’s funding prioritizes retail enforcement and education. Supported activities include enforcement of flavor bans, minor decoy operations, shoulder tap operations, prosecution efforts, tobacco retail license inspections, retailer education programs, task force coordination, officer training on tobacco laws and ordinances, monitoring compliance among retailers, and other related measures.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated: “The sale of tobacco products to underage youth remains a serious problem. For almost a decade, Proposition 56 has provided much-needed funding to address that challenge. The grant recipients we have selected this year are committed to both holding accountable those who break the law and ensuring a healthier, safer future for the next generation. I’m proud to support and partner with these local government agencies.”
Joe Prado, Director of the Fresno County Department of Public Health said: “The Fresno County Department of Public Health looks forward to working with the California Department of Justice to further protect the health and safety of our residents.”
Brian Stephens, Eureka Police Chief added: “Receiving the Tobacco Grant is an important step in strengthening our community’s commitment to protecting youth. The Eureka Police Department is proud to partner with the California Department of Justice to ensure local retailers follow the law and prevent access to tobacco products by minors. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to education, compliance, and the long-term health of our community’s young people.”
El Cajon Police Department Chief Jeremiah Larson commented: “Recognizing the dangers of tobacco use by children, the El Cajon Police Department is proud to partner with the California Department of Justice in accepting this grant. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to preventing underage tobacco access and increasing awareness throughout our community and among local businesses.”
Peter Lemos from Sacramento noted: “The City of Sacramento Code Enforcement Division is honored to be selected, through this highly competitive process, for 2025/26 California Department of Justice’s Tobacco Grant Program. We sincerely thank the CA DOJ for reviewing and selecting our application, and for recognizing the need within our community. This funding will strengthen our ability to expand our tobacco enforcement efforts and enhance public health and safety within the City of Sacramento.”
Jeremy Profitt from Fairfield stated: “This grant is more than funding, it’s a commitment to protecting our neighborhoods. Through it, we will strengthen quality of life, reduce crime, and cut down on the flow of tobacco products that target our youth and underserved communities.”
Vince Nallas from San Joaquin County Public Health Services said: “San Joaquin County Public Health Services is fortunate to receive this grant as an opportunity both to address the need to protect the community from illegal sales of commercial tobacco and to promote collaboration among our law enforcement agencies to create a meaningful impact on community safety and public health.”
Gloria Olmos from South El Monte remarked: “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the City of South El Monte. This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our residents… Together we are creating a stronger more resilient South El Monte.”
Rafael Perez from Orange commented: “The City of Orange Code Enforcement Division is grateful and excited to receive its first tobacco grant which will help prevent illegal sales minors reduce availability unlawful smoking devices tobacco products.”
Earlier in 2025 Attorney General Bonta reminded manufacturers about Assembly Bill 3218 (Wood), which requires his office https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-reminds-tobacco-manufacturers-and-importers-unflavored establish an Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) — listing unflavored products lawful for sale in California — with applications due October 9; publication is expected by December 31.
Tobacco use continues as a major cause preventable death nationwide; each year about 40 thousand Californians die from smoking-related illnesses while nicotine remains especially harmful for developing brains among youth.
The DOJ’s Tobacco Grant Program works toward reducing childhood addiction by supporting partners enforcing statewide/local flavor bans prosecuting violators conducting compliance inspections all funded via Proposition 56 passed in 2016; since inception over $240 million has been distributed through more than 540 grants statewide.
