Sen. McCortney wins Senate passage of bill raising age for tobacco to 21

The full Senate has approved legislation raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.  Sen. Greg McCortney is the author of Senate Bill 1423, aligning state law with the federal Tobacco-Free Youth Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in December, which prohibits the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.

McCortney, R-Ada, said it was important to make sure Oklahoma’s statutes mirror the new federal law.

“Actual enforcement of age limits on tobacco products takes place at the state and local level,” McCortney said.  “In order to avoid confusion or ambiguity, it’s important that our state laws and programs are in line with the new federal age limits, ensuring clarity for the public, businesses, state agencies and law enforcement.”

McCortney said health care professionals have long advocated raising the minimum age for tobacco products to 21 to reduce smoking numbers and tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.

“Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and disability,” McCortney said.  “Senate Bill 1423 will make sure Oklahoma can work with the federal government to enforce the Tobacco-Free Youth Act and improve health outcomes in our state.”

SB 1423 now moves to the House for further consideration.

For more information, contact Sen. Greg McCortney at 405-521-5541, or email mccortney@oksenate.gov.

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