Raising Age for Vaping, Smoking to 21 Just Needs Gov's Signature

Not many bills pass with the type of bipartisan support seen as a bill that raises the age to smoke and vape in the staet of Connecticut from 18 to 21.

But on Friday the state Senate voted 33 to 3 to raise the age; that follows a bipartisan vote in favor of the same bill in the House.

And, Gov. Ned Lamont has already quickly promised to sign the bill - which will make Connecticut the 14th state in the country to pass such legislation.

With all we know about the health risks associated with smoking and vaping, inaction would be irresponsible,” said Sen. Christine Cohen, who represents Madison and other shoreline towns. “I am proud to see this piece of legislation pass by a bipartisan vote, as it illustrates the General Assembly’s commitment to the health of our state’s youth and to closing the chapter on the teen smoking and vaping epidemic. It will aid in keeping addictive tobacco products out of the hands of our children and ultimately will save lives”

House Bill 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, additionally strengthening other laws. In addition to raising the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales for individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes to current laws.

Businesses found to sell tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses.

This bill comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In 2018, more than 3.6 million youth across the United States – including 20 percent of high school students and five percent of middle school students – reported using e-cigarettes, according to the Surgeon General. Vaping products also have led to concerns about public health, as they utilize chemicals that are seen as unsafe. They are also often sold with “sweet” flavors, and the chemicals used in those flavors pose additional health risks. The Centers for Disease Control said in 2016 that vaping flavors can facilitate nicotine addiction and simulated smoking behavior.

The bill also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package. This prevents underage shoppers from obtaining vapes or other smoking products without having to show identification or prove they’re of age.