Earlier this week, the Arizona House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would raise the age to buy or possess cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21.
The current minimum age is 18. But a 2019 federal law requires tobacco customers to be at least 21. Arizona was given six years to bring its laws to conformity or face severe funding cuts.
This state bill takes it a step further by prohibiting possession and use if under 21. Federal law does not cover both.
Republican Rep. Nick Kupper had some objections. His amendment carves out an exception, with some restrictions, for people 18 years or older who are active military or in the reserves.
“It says we are not going to, from a philosophical standpoint, tell you that, as a member of the military it’s OK for you to die for your country but not OK for you to make a stupid decision like smoke a cigarette,” Kupper said.
The measure still needs a final House vote and then will go to the Senate.
