Bill Description: This bill raises the minimum age to use or buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Rating: -2

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market? 


In further determining when individuals can purchase tobacco, this bill would shrink the market by an estimated 2.12 percent. The purpose of the bill is to keep tobacco out of the hands of high school children whose 18-year-old peers can legally purchase and distribute the products.

Statistics, however, show an age limit of 21 has not prevented alcohol from illegally falling into the hands of teens. By age 18 roughly 65 percent of teens have tried alcohol illegally, according to the 2014 National Survey on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. By comparison, the survey showed 46.1 percent percent of 18-year-olds have tried tobacco products at sometime in their lifetime. Controlling the legal market for tobacco is not an effective way to keep minors from using tobacco. (-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non- violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? 


This bill would penalize people who choose of their own volition to use tobacco. (-1)