Indiana’s House Public Health Committee voted 9-0 in favor of H.B. 1380, a bill that would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco in the state from 18 to 21.
While the purchasing age increase language passed, a hike on cigarette taxes from $.995 to $2.995 was stripped from the bill.
Another bill, H.B. 1381, has not had a committee vote. Both bills were introduced by Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, and 1381 is similar to a bill he introduced last year. This would remove exemptions for smoking in places where it is currently allowed including cigar shops, bars, casinos, private clubs and others.
If passed, the new rules would go into effect on July 1, 2018.