The state Senate has voted to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Connecticut to 21 and Governor Lamont said he plans to sign the bill in the coming days.
The Democrat's promise came minutes after the state Senate gave final legislative approval on Friday to the bill. The vote was 33-3.
The bill will "prohibit the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic delivery systems and vapor products to person under the age of 21," Lamont said in a release.
Officials said the legislation was approved in the House of Representatives on May 16 and will now move to the governor's desk.
“When our laws surrounding tobacco products were written several decades ago, the medical evidence about the impact of the substance did not exist. With the rising use of e-cigarettes and vaping products among young people, we are seeing a growing public health crisis. Some have pointed out that raising the age to 21 will result in a net revenue loss to the state, but when it comes to the health of our young people we need to do what is right," Lamont added.
Republican Sen. Rob Sampson, of Wolcott, said the bill is arbitrary and violates the rights of adults ages 18-21.
The bill is expected to be signed by Lamont in the coming days. Once the bill is signed, Connecticut will become the 14th state to raise the age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
