Mae Flexer

Senator Flexer Commends House Passage Of Legislation Raising The Age To Purchase Tobacco Products To 21

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would raise the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 124-22. Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) praised the passage of the bill.

“Everyone knows that there are many life-long health effects and risks that come with smoking cigarettes and tobacco products,” said Senator Flexer. “Younger students often have access to cigarettes and other tobacco products through 18-to-21 year olds. Raising the age of purchase from 18 to 21 will make these products less available to younger children and will reduce their risk of becoming exposed or addicted to nicotine. This is a critical public health initiative and I’m eager to debate this bill and pass it in the Senate.”

House Bill No. 7200, “An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One,” raises the point of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21, with penalties ranging from fines to mandated education and suspension of business licenses for violators. In a show of bipartisan support, 86 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation. If it is made law, Connecticut would become the twelfth state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to raise the age of access to 21.

The bill now awaits a vote by the Senate.