Following similar pieces of aged-based legislation in New York City and various areas of Massachusettes, one Maryland state senator is introducing legislation to raise the legal smoking age to 21. Sen. Jennie M. Forehand, D-Rockville, said she will introduce legislation to raise the legal age of smoking to 21. While Forehand has already pre-filed a bill prohibiting smoking in vehicles when children are present, it’s unclear how long she will wait to formally introduce the legislation. In New York City, smoking will not be prohibited under the new law, which goes into effect in May, only purchasing of tobacco. It’s unclear if Forehand seeks to prohibit purchasing from those ages 18-20. Forehand has announced she will not seek a tenth term in office, forgoing the 2014 election. Currently, the legal smoking age in Maryland is 18.
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