Rep. Dauphinais Opposes Smoking Age Increase for Adults

HARTFORD – State Representative Anne Dauphinais (R-44) recently opposed a bill that would seek to increase the Connecticut’s current smoking age from 18 to 21.

While Rep. Dauphinais does agree that smoking is dangerous and a long-term health risk, she doesn’t believe that it should be up to lawmakers to determine which liberties adults should and shouldn’t participate in.

“Today the House voted on a bill to remove the ability for adults between the ages of 18 and 21 from purchasing cigarettes, e-cigarettes, other tobacco products and vapor related items, and,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “Although I agree that tobacco is very bad for your health, I believe that adults should have the ability to make those type of choices for themselves.”

The bill, HB-7200, An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One, if passed, would add Connecticut to a list of fourteen other states who have raised the legal smoking age to 21.

“Additionally, I think about those 18 year-olds who are making very adult decisions such as putting their lives on the line serving our country, casting a vote in an election, or purchasing a home, yet are unable to make other decisions permitted to all other adults 21 years of age and older.” Rep. Dauphinais continued.

The bill passed through the House and will now move onto the Senate for further action.