UPDATED: Legislation to Raise Legal Age to Purchase Tobacco Products in DE Out of Committee

UPDATED  3/6/19 – 6:15PM – Senate Bill 25 – which bans the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products to Delawareans under 21 years of age – passed the Senate Health and Social Services committee on Wednesday. The legislation is now slated for a vote before the full Senate on Tuesday.

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UPDATED 2:30pm – Legislation has been introduced in the Delaware General Assembly that would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. Governor John Carney, health officials, students and state lawmakers announced the measure this afternoon in Dover. The measure would also repeal the ability of a parent or guardian to purchase tobacco products or tobacco substitutes for a minor. If Senate Bill 25 is approved by state lawmakers, Delaware would become the 8th state to approve raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21. Hawaii was the first state to approve the age increase – other states include New Jersey and Virginia, however the American Lung Association says that provisions in Virginia’s law will make the age increase less effective. The goal behind the measure is to reduce youth tobacco use and to save lives.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON SENATE BILL 25

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE

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On Tuesday afternoon, Governor John Carney will announce his support for legislation that would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products in Delaware.  The governor supports legislation that would boost the legal age from 18 to 21.  The Governor’s press conference will be live-streamed on his Facebook page and at livestream.com/stateofdelaware at 1:15pm on Tuesday.