Add Rhode Island to the list of states that could raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and nicotine delivery products to 21, as State Rep. Teresa Tanzi, D-South Kingstown & Narragansett, introduced such an idea in late January. House Bill 5225 is only two pages long and simply changes Section 11-9-13 of the General Laws to reflect the proposed new age, with the increase to go into effect immediately upon passage. Following its introduction it was referred to the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, where it currently awaits action. Four of Tanzi’s colleagues in the state House of Representatives have already signed on as co-sponsors. Rhode Island joins the scrum of states vying for which one will be the first to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21, as Washington, California, Utah, New York and New Jersey all have active legislation.
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