Indiana Committee Passes Bill To Raise Tobacco, Vape Age To 21

Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 12:42 PM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Indiana lawmakers are a step closer to requiring Hoosiers to be at least 21 in order to purchase tobacco or vaping products.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana is a big step closer to raising the age to buy a pack of cigarettes or a vial of vape liquid.

The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee on Wednesday voted 8-2 to endorse a plan to raise the age to buy tobacco or vape products from 18 up to 21.

Senate Bill 425 also includes a tax on vape liquids. The rate would be four cents per milliliter.

Opponents of the higher smoking age say the new law would treat legal adults like children.

Some anti-tobacco organizations have been advocating for an increase in the state tax on a pack of cigarettes by $2 per pack. The Raise it for Health Coalition says polling shows nearly eight-in-ten Hoosiers support such an increase.

A bill to raise the tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack is awaiting passage in a House committee.

Coalition Wants Indiana Lawmakers To Raise Cigarette Tax By $2 Per Pack