Indiana House Speaker Says Lawmakers Ready To Raise Smoking Age

speaker-brian-bosma

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers are full steam ahead with raising the state’s legal age to buy tobacco.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma says he now supports raising the age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21.

Bosma says he changed his mind on the matter because the armed services and veterans’ groups support the age change.

He also cited the increase in vaping related illnesses and deaths.

Lawmakers also want to raise taxes on tobacco products to decrease use, but Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray says a move on tax increases isn’t likely for this session.

Sen. Rodric Bray