Senate approves tobacco bills, increasing smoking age to 21

SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers sent Gov. Jerry Brown six bills Thursday to tighten restrictions on tobacco products in an effort to curb smoking in the state, including one that would raise the age to purchase cigarettes from 18 to 21 years old.

Brown has not indicated publicly whether he plans to sign the bills, but a high-ranking administrative official said last year that the governor would closely consider any legislation that reduces the health impacts of smoking.

Others bills would allow counties and cities to ask for voter approval on tobacco taxes, increase the licensing fee on cigarettes and tobacco products and expand tobacco-free-workplace rules in public places.

Several of the measures stalled last year in an Assembly committee, but lawmakers revived the legislation by introducing them in a special session on health care.

Under current law, minors caught smoking could face a $75 fine or community service, but under the legislation approved by lawmakers Thursday, there would no longer be a penalty for anyone under the age of 21 who is caught smoking.

Sen. Joel Anderson, R-Alpine (San Diego County), said raising the age to 21 to buy tobacco products will incentivize smoking marijuana, particularly if a ballot initiative is approved that would legalize the recreational use of pot by adults.

“Treating vapor products like tobacco opens the door to unfair and unwarranted tobacco tax-related implications that will discourage smokers from switching to what science says is an effective and significant alternative to combustible tobacco,” Cynthia Cabrera, president the vapor group, said in a statement.

Supporters say studies don’t support the vapor industry’s assertions that their products help smokers kick their harmful habit.