Connecticut lawmakers are considering banning the sale of cigarettes, other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping products to anyone under the age of 21.
Currently, someone must be at least 18 years old to purchase tobacco products, as well as e-cigarettes and vaping items.
Some municipalities, including Hartford and Bridgeport have passed ordinances to raise the legal age to buy those products locally.
Democratic Rep. Mary Mushinsky, of Wallingford, tells the General Assembly's Public Health Committee she worries about the impact of nicotine on adolescent brain development, acknowledging she'd prefer lawmakers set a 25 year-minimum age to purchase such products.
Monday's legislation is one of a host of bills proposed this session aimed at addressing the growing numbers of young people using electronic nicotine delivery systems. There are proposals increasing penalties against those who sell products to underage purchasers, increasing taxes on vaping products and funding vape detectors for schools.
