Area lawmakers split on under-21 tobacco sales
By Jeff Stitt and Emily Bennett DiLulio
jstitt@yourmvi.com
ebennet@yourmvi.com
Local legislators split evenly in their votes on a bill this week that would ban the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products by people younger than 21.
Pennsylvania is moving to join 18 other states in raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, although it’s maintaining an exception for military veterans or service members who are at least 18.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said he will sign legislation that passed the state House, 135 to 49, and the Senate by a 44 to 5 margin Thursday.
The higher age would take effect July 1. Tobacco products, according to Senate Bill 473, include electronic cigarettes and natural and synthetic nicotine products.
The American Lung Association says 50% of the United States’ population already lives in a state or community that has passed a law raising the age to buy tobacco products to 21.
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