SB 248 and HB 1662 will be heard next week. The American Heart Association supports the Tobacco 21 bills in line with the Federal Tobacco 21 law.
On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old. The Federal Tobacco 21 law is now in effect and it is illegal for a retailer to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. However, enforcement of the federal age requires NH to raise the age in state statute.
SB 248 and HB 1662 are similar bills with the goal to reduce youth access to tobacco including e-cigarettes. The task for New Hampshire lawmakers is to now pass policy to codify the new minimum tobacco sales age in state law, to allow the Division of Liquor Enforcement to enforce compliance with Tobacco 21. The federal law does not permit states to delay the age of 21 through Grandfather Exemptions, or Phase-In.
Contact your lawmakers today to let them know that you support the Federal Tobacco 21 law.