According to Republicans on the State finance committee of the legislature, raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products does not belong in the state budget.
The language was included in Governor Tony Evers’ two-year budget plan. In 2020 and again last year, bills to raise the purchase age were approved by both parties in the state Assembly, but they did not move forward in the Senate.
The federal Tobacco 21-age requirement conflicts with the state’s 18-year-old minimum age for purchasing nicotine, tobacco, or vape products.
Local police are unable to enforce the new standard until the state implements it in accordance with federal law.
