Tennessee Bill Would Limit Tobacco, Vape Sales to 21 and Up
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Several Tennessee lawmakers are pushing to increase the minimum age to buy tobacco or vaping products from 18 to 21.
During a news conference Monday, Republicans Sen. Shane Reeves and Rep. Bob Ramsey said the bill would help address Tennessee's poor health rankings. Reeves delayed a committee vote Tuesday.
More than a dozen health-related groups, Republican ex-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and vape company JUUL are among the change's proponents.
A fiscal note estimates the bill would annually cost the state $7 million and local governments $1 million through lost sales tax revenues. Reeves said it will save the state on tobacco users' health care costs.
Tennessee also has comparatively low cigarette taxes.
As of early January, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said six states had a tobacco age of 21. Virginia became the seventh last week.
Recent Posts
See AllKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Monday marked International Overdose Awareness Day. While some hope they are never affected by this, the reality is that many people and their families are. Knox County’s Dis
In these trying times it seems many are turning to alcohol to help get through social distancing. U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages rose 55% in just one week in March and while many joke about the pas
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – District Attorney Charme Allen is working to open lines of communication with local students; the goal is to prevent drug abuse. D.A. Allen is set to visit two Knoxville scho