Last year it was known H.B. 1458, this year it’s known as H.B. 2313. Legislators in Washington have introduced another bill that would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, has support from Republicans in the House, but is expected to face challenges in the Senate. It would also require individuals to be at least 21 to purchase vaping devices and e-cigarettes. Like last year’s version violating the proposed rules would be a misdemeanor, although it appears the only punishment would be having tobacco products confiscated, not community service which was included in last year’s bill. While numerous cities have passed similar measures, Hawaii is the only state to raise the minimum tobacco purchasing age to 21.
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