Indiana lawmakers say they’ll push forward with legislation to increase the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.
That’s despite Congress already making that change to federal law.
Raising the legal age to smoke and vape to 21 is on the agenda of both House and Senate Republicans this year. And Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) says that’s despite federal lawmakers already changing the law nationwide.
“Well, on the outside chance they decide to change that, we would still have that in place,” Bray says.
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) notes the federal change still leaves enforcement to the states.
“So, the enforcement of those who choose to sell to minors – to under 21, actually – is a focus in the bill,” Bosma says.
Bosma says passing the bill at the state level will also help with retail education of the change.
Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
