The Utah Senate has passed a bill that will raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21-years-old, sending it back to the House of Representatives to see if they will concur with its amendments.
H.B. 324 passed the Senate by a 15-12 vote, with two members absent or not voting. The bill picked up an amendment that will keep the age at 19-years-old for active members of the military, their spouses and dependents. While an exemption for active duty military members has become somewhat common in similar legislation across the country, extending that to spouses and dependents is unique.
Rep. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, the bill’s sponsor, told the Salt Lake Tribune that he saw the amendment as a compromise.
The bill has been placed on the House’s Concurrence Calendar and is awaiting further action.
