Missouri lawmakers are advancing legislation that would prevent cities from adopting stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and e-cigarette products than those enforced by the state.
The Missouri House of Representatives passed the bill, which targets local restrictions, including those that prohibit the sale of flavored products that may appeal to younger individuals.
Representative Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield, sponsored the proposal. It includes a provision that would bar municipalities from enacting sales rules that exceed state-level regulations.
Keathley also introduced a measure to align with Missouri tobacco sales age with the federal standard by banning the sale of tobacco to individuals under 21.
Shannon Cooper, a lobbyist representing Kansas City, stated the city is against the bill.
The Missouri tobacco sales bill now moves to the Missouri Senate, where lawmakers will review and consider its provisions.
