There are currently six states where a person must be at least 21-years-old, and a Vermont state representative is hoping that 2019 is the year his state finally joins that group.

This week, Rep. George Till, D-Jericho, along with 14 co-sponsors introduced H. 27, which would increase in the state’s tobacco purchasing age from 18 to 21-years-old. However, a person who turned 18-years-old on or before July 1, 2019, they would not be subject to the change and would remain able to purchase tobacco products.

The bill also would make it illegal for a person under 21-years-old to possess or use tobacco products, although with the same exemption for those turning 18 as of July 1.

Till has been an ardent supporter of an age increase and has introduced similar bills for the past several years. The bills have received support in previous years, though each ultimately failed along its legislative journey.

The bill currently sits with the House Committee on Human Services. If it passes, it would go into effect on July 1, 2019.

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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.