Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 4, 2014 11:55 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Marty Flynn |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Increasing the Minimum Age to Purchase Tobacco |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), § 6305 (Sale of Tobacco), of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes for the purpose of increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco and tobacco-related products from 18 years of age to 21 years of age. Under current law, an individual who is 18 years of age or older can legally purchase tobacco and tobacco-related products. Anyone under the age of 18 found guilty of purchasing or receiving a tobacco product, or knowingly falsely representing himself or herself to be at least 18 years of age, is convicted of a summary offense and must pay a fine. My legislation will allow Pennsylvania to join other states such as New Jersey and Texas in considering legislation to increase the minimum legal sale age (MLSA) of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. According to the United States Surgeon General, more than 600,000 middle school students and 3 million high school students smoke cigarettes. Increasing the MLSA for tobacco would likely lower overall tobacco use rates among youth by reducing and delaying the onset and access of tobacco and tobacco-related products. As public officials, I believe it is our duty to help protect our most valuable assets, our children. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Memo Updated: February 4, 2014 11:59 AM