Four Nevada Assemblymen have thrown their state’s hat in the ring when it comes to raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and e-cigarette to 21-years-old, as on Sunday, AB 544 was introduced into the legislature.

The bill got its introduction with just over a day left in the regular legislative session, which is scheduled to end on Monday, June 3. It is being co-sponsored by Assemblymen Jim Wheeler, R-Minden; Al Kramer, R-Carson City; John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas; and Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, R-Henderson.

It includes an exemption to the increase for active duty members of the military who are able to provide valid identification.

The bill received its first hearing on Sunday in the Assembly Committee on Taxation, where it received a ‘do pass’ recommendation. Having been declared an emergency measure under the state’s constitution it was sent back to the floor for a final vote, where it passed 38-3. It has since been referred to the Senate where it was assigned to the Committee on Judiciary.

If the bill passes, the age increase would go into effect on July 1, 2021.

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.