According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, "Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease, causing approximately 440,000 deaths annually in the United States. Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer, heart, and lung disease. For every one person who dies of a smoking-attributable disease, there are 20 more people who are suffering with at least one serious illness from smoking."
Tobacco 21 Legislation
Together, this legislative package brings Michigan in line with the federal Tobacco 21 legislation, raising the state age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21. The package amends several acts to raise the age of sale for retailers, prohibit anyone under 21 from entering a tobacco retail store, and prohibit tobacco sales through the mail to anyone under 21. The package also revises the disbursement of proceeds from the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
House Bill 6108 amends the Youth Tobacco Act to raise the minimum legal sale of tobacco products, vapor products and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21, in alignment in with federal law. Penalties for the sale of tobacco products to under-age individuals remain up to $100 for the first offense, up to $500 for the second offense, and up to $2,500 for third and subsequent offenses.
House Bill 6108 was sponsored by Rep. Tommy Brann, R – Wyoming, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 6109 prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from entering a tobacco retail specialty store, like a cigar shop.
House Bill 6109 was sponsored by Rep. Tommy Brann, R – Wyoming, and a copy can be found here.
Senate Bill 576 amends a portion of the Michigan penal code to require agents who distribute tobacco through the mail to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age, revising the previous age limit of 18.
Senate Bill 576 was sponsored by Sen. Dale Zorn, R – Onstead, and a copy can be found here.
Senate Bill 577 is an amendment to the Age of Majority Act of 1971, which prescribes the rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of individuals aged 18-20. The legislation states that the act will not apply to the Youth Tobacco Act, which now prohibits tobacco use for those under 21, rather than 18.
“The Tobacco 21 package aligns Michigan with progress at the federal level, and is an important step in keeping tobacco products out of the wrong hands,” said Senator Paul Wojno. “Kudos to Governor Whitmer for working with the me and my colleagues in the legislature to protect our communities and public health across the state.”
“Children and teens should not even be exposed to tobacco products. Period,” said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington. “We have seen study after study showing the effects of nicotine on the developing adolescent brain, and I’m proud to support raising the tobacco purchasing age from 18 to 21. There is no doubt this simple change will save lives.”
Senate Bill 577 was sponsored by Sen. Paul Wojno, D – Warren, and a copy can be found here
