Wyoming Legislators Advance Tobacco Purchasing Age Increase

Wyoming could be among the next wave of states to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21-years-old, as on Wednesday the Joint Committee on Revenue advanced a bill containing the increase by a 10-3 margin, setting it in motion for the upcoming 2020 legislative session.

During the hearing, the bill’s original language was changed so that the new minimum age would be 21-years-old, as opposed to 19-years-old, which was originally the target. The change amidst pressure to limit the access of tobacco products to young people, including those under 18, according to a report by the Casper Star-Tribune.

As of now, the bill does not contain an exemption for active duty members of the military, something that has been included in similar bills across the country. Currently 18 states as well as Guam and the District of Columbia have passed what is referred to as Tobacco 21 legislation in an attempt to prevent young people from gaining access to tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

The committee is scheduled to meet again Nov. 11 and 12, during which time the bill could again be revisited before being filed. It is also considering bills related to the taxation of nicotine products as well as a prohibition on mail and online sales of nicotine products.