The state of Tennessee has seen a bill introduced by State Senator Rosalind Kurita (I-22) that would raise the tobacco age in the state from 18 to 21. In addition the new bill would make tobacco possession for those under 21 a Class C Misdemeanor. In the state, a Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $50 fine.
In an article that appeared in the MTSU Sidelines, State Senator Kurita believes the bill will pass as tobacco companies want it.
According to the Tennessee General Assembly web site, Senate Bill 280 is expected to decrease state revenue by $6,966,100 and decrease local revenue by $1,001,700
The bill currently sits in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and if passed will go into effect July 1, 2019.
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