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

Thursday, February 7th, 2019 12:42pm

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

Events

Dearborn County 4-H sponsored Rabbit and Poultry Workshop
Are you interested in rabbits or poultry? The general public and youth grades 3-12 with their families, are invited to attend the workshop to learn about rabbit and poultry care and showmanship through hands-on activities.
17th Feb at Agner Hall
Chili Luncheon and Cook-Off
St. John Lutheran School, Aurora, annual Chili Luncheon and Cook-Off, with celebrity judges, 25 varieties of chili and chili spaghetti with cornbread, desserts and drinks
17th Feb at St. John Lutheran School
4-H 3D Printer program
5th and 6th grade youth are invited to register for the 4-H 3-D printer program beginning January 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College's Lawrenceburg Lakefront Campus.
18th Feb at Ivy Tech Lake Front Campus Lawrenceburg