Add Arkansas to the growing list of states that will consider raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21-years-old this session, as a bill has been introduced into the state House of Representatives seeking to do just that.
The bill, H.B. 1519, was filed into the House on Tuesday by Rep. Lee Johnson, R-Greenwood, and has already garnered the support of 13 other representatives and four state senators.
It would not only make the purchase of tobacco products by someone under 21-years-old illegal, it would also apply to the possession and use of tobacco, as well as vapor products, alternative nicotine products, e-liquid products, and cigarette papers. The bill does create an exemption for a person who is an active member of the United States Armed Forces and can produce valid identification, meaning they would only be required to be 18-years-old to purchase, possess or use such products.
The bill is currently awaiting assignment to a committee.