Bill raising legal age to buy tobacco products awaits LePage's signature

AUGUSTA — A bill that raises Maine’s legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 is on its way to Republican Gov. Paul LePage for consideration.

The bill, which includes electronic smoking devices and is backed by a broad bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, looks to decrease the number of young people picking up cigarettes or other tobacco products that can lead to lifelong health problems. Supporters say the savings in tobacco-related health costs will more than offset any loss of tax revenue.

Maine’s teenage smoking rate is 11 percent, which is among the highest in the nation and three points above the national teen smoking rate of 8 percent, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was compiled by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

The bill received final legislative action Thursday after clearing the Maine Senate on a vote of 31-4 and the House of Representatives on a vote of 113-34 in June.

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/07/21/bill-that-increases-legal-age-to-purchase-tobacco-products-heads-to-lepages-desk/