While many states are considering increasing their tobacco purchasing age from 18 to 21, the Nebraska legislature is currently taking up legislation that would increase the purchasing age to 19.
In January, Sen. Dan Quick, D-35, introduced L.B. 149, which would have increased the purchasing age for vapor products from 18 to 21, but left the minimum age to purchase traditional tobacco products at 18. In March, the General Affairs Committee passed amendments to Quick’s bill, changing the increase from 18 to 21, but having it apply to all tobacco and vapor products.
Yesterday, the bill passed its first vote 40-0 with nine not voting.
Nebraska is unique in that it has a unicameral legislature, meaning there is only one house instead of the traditional upper and lower bodies.
Alabama and Alaska have also set their age restrictions at 19. Previously, Utah also required those purchasing tobacco to be 19.