Texas Bill That Raises Legal Smoking Age to 21 Passes
Yesterday, the Texas Senate voted on a bill that would raise the age that residents can legally by and use tobacco products to 21 years old. If/when it becomes the law of the land, the new age restrictions would also apply to vaping and e-cigarettes. Currently the law of the land states that if you are 18, you are in the free and clear to purchase cigarettes, cigars, snuff, etc.
Opponents say that if the state of Texas legally considers someone an adult at 18, they should be able to legally purchase those things. Supporters of the proposed law say it would help protect young adults from an addictive behavior and save the state billions of dollars in health care costs.
Senate Bill 21 passed in the senate on a 20 to 11 vote. It will now be considered in the Texas House of Representatives on its way to becoming a law.