Lawmakers Push to Raise Smoking Age from 18 to 21

Arizona is making strides to align its tobacco regulations with federal law.

The state House has given preliminary approval to Senate Bill 1247, which raises the minimum age to purchase or possess cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Currently, federal law prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone under 21, but it does not address possession or usage by individuals in that age group.

This legislation aims to fill that gap. Rep. Matt Gress highlighted the health implications, noting, “We know the data is clear: Raising the age to access cigarettes reduces youth access.”

He pointed out that delaying the initiation of smoking can reduce the risk of lifelong addiction.

Failure to comply with the federal mandate could lead to a loss of $5 million in funding annually, a pressing concern for state lawmakers.

Despite the benefits, support for the bill is uncertain. Previous debates have stalled due to concerns, particularly from Rep. Nick Kupper, who advocates for an exemption for military personnel.

The revised bill would allow individuals 18 and older in the military to possess and use tobacco, given that their branch permits it.

However, those privileges would be revoked if they cease active service at an earlier age.

The Department of Defense has already restricted tobacco sales to individuals under 21, yet enforcement of these guidelines can vary significantly.

Although Gress was not pleased with the concessions made during negotiations, he recognized the importance of garnering majority support.

Additionally, moving to state legislation is crucial; without it, the Attorney General’s Office lacks the authority to enforce tobacco laws against retailers catering to 18- to 20-year-olds.

The measure still requires a final vote and must be reviewed by the Senate. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Alexander Kolodin, oppose the bill, viewing it as a capitulation to federal pressure.

Importantly, this regulation does not apply to cannabis, which maintains a consistent minimum purchase age of 21 set by voter-approved laws.