Earlier today, the California Senate approved a bill that would raise the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The bill, SB 151, was introduced by Democrat Senator Ed Hernandez who argued that 90% of all tobacco users start before 21.
The bill was supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the California Medical Assn. Opponents include the California Retailers Assn., the Cigar Assn. of America and Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.
The Cigar Association of America argued that people are eligible to vote, serve in the military and enter legal contracts at the age 18 then they should be allowed to make their own decisions.
The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 26-8 and it now heads to the Assembly.
