Why an Alaska Smoking Age Increase is Needed
Approximately 26% of Alaska high schoolers statewide use electronic smoking products like vapes, according to a report from the Alaska Department of Health. With concerns over teen nicotine addiction, lawmakers are pushing for an Alaska smoking age increase to align with federal law and prevent early tobacco use.
Senator Stevens Pushes for Age Increase
State Senator Gary Stevens, a Republican from Kodiak, is making his sixth attempt to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarettes. His goal is to prevent teen addiction and educate young people about the dangers of vaping.
Since the 2015-2016 session, Stevens has repeatedly tried to raise Alaska’s smoking age from 19 to 21. The federal government already set 21 as the legal age to buy, possess, or consume tobacco and vape products, a change implemented in late 2019.
Senate Bill 24: Aligning with Federal Law
Stevens’ bill, Senate Bill 24, would bring Alaska’s smoking age in line with federal law. It also includes a tax on vaping products and creates a prevention and education fund using tax revenue. He pre-filed the bill before the legislative session began on Jan. 21.
“That’s a bill that I really hope will get passed before I leave the Legislature because I think it’s an important one,” Stevens said. “We know that e-cigs are a problem with our kids who are getting addicted, and it’s causing a lot of disruption in our school districts.”
How the Alaska Smoking Age Increase Could Affect Schools
Cyndy Mika, superintendent of the Kodiak Island Borough School District, expressed her support:
“As educators, our top priority is the health and well-being of our students. Raising the legal age for purchasing and possessing e-cigarettes and cigarettes to 21 through Alaska SB 24 and HB 49 is a critical step in protecting young people from nicotine addiction and lifelong health risks. These measures help keep harmful products out of the hands of our youth and reinforce the importance of making healthy choices.”
Previous Veto and Opposition
In 2022, Stevens’ bill passed both chambers of the state legislature with bipartisan support. However, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed it, citing opposition to increased taxes. That bill included a 35% excise tax on the wholesale value of electronic smoking products.
Despite this, Stevens remains hopeful. He believes either his bill or its companion in the House, HB 49, has a chance of passing. However, Dunleavy’s stance on taxation could remain a challenge.
House Version of the Bill Faces Pushback
State Representative Sara Hannan of Juneau sponsors HB 49, which includes an excise tax on all electronic smoking products. The bill has faced opposition from the Cigar Association of America, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and a Fairbanks vapor shop owner.
According to the Alaska Department of Health’s Alaska Tobacco Facts 2023 report, about 25% of high school students in 2019 used e-cigarettes. Half of them obtained their vapes by borrowing from others or purchasing online.
Vaping on School Grounds
During a Jan. 29 House Labor and Commerce committee hearing, lawmakers reviewed a report on students vaping in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other school areas. This makes enforcement difficult for schools.
Kodiak High School’s student handbook states that students caught using or possessing tobacco or vapes on school grounds could face out-of-school suspension or possible law enforcement involvement.
Education as a Key Solution
Stevens acknowledges that his bill won’t completely prevent young people from accessing vapes and e-cigarettes. However, he believes education is a crucial step in addressing the issue.
“One thing it would do—raising the age from 19 to 21—brings in federal funds to help educate kids,” Stevens said. “Maybe the best approach for younger children is education, so they understand the impact of becoming addicted to e-cigarettes. It is truly an addiction.”
Will the Alaska Smoking Age Increase Become Law?
As of Feb. 11, Senate Bill 24 has yet to receive a hearing. Stevens encourages public comment and testimony on the bill. Those interested can contact the local Legislative Information Office (LIO) in Kodiak by calling 907-486-8116.
If passed, the legislation would impose a 25% retail tax on closed-system electronic smoking and vapor products. The collected tax revenue would fund the state’s Tobacco Use Education and Cessation Fund, helping prevent and detect vaping in schools.
