Ohio Considers “Tobacco21”

[June 11, 2019]

According to the American Heart Association, momentum is growing nationwide to raise the legal age of tobacco purchase from 18 to 21. Eight states have recently enacted measures (including Texas this week), bringing the total number of state laws to 15. New York is expected to enact a similar law soon.

In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine has supported “Tobacco21” and included it in his state budget proposal. The Ohio House of Representatives approved that provision. In the Ohio Senate, lawmakers, who released their budget amendments today, also approved the change with minor adjustments. Senators also proposed a new a 17% tax on vaping products starting October 1.

For more Statehouse news, see the Legislative Roundup.