The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill Thursday that would increase the minimum age to buy tobacco products in the state, according to a report on MassLive.com.
Here are eight things to know about the bill.
1. Under the bill, the minimum age to buy tobacco products in Massachusetts would go from 18 to 21.
2. The bill does not include an increase in tobacco taxes or any new taxes, but does add electronic cigarettes to a law banning cigarette-smoking in schools, restaurants and workplaces, according to the report.
3. The bill prohibits retail establishments that also sell pharmaceutical products from selling tobacco products.
4. Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) supported the bill, saying, "This is about protecting young people," according to the report. Sen. Lewis also contended the bill will save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
5. Sen. Don Humason (R-Westfield) voted against the bill, arguing that 18-year-olds should make their own decisions, according to the report. He also expressed concern about how the bill would impact small and large businesses that sell a legal product such as tobacco, the report notes. "
6. The senate's vote on the bill was 32-2. However, the bill still needs approval from the Massachusetts House and Gov. Charlie Baker (R) before becoming law.
7. If the bill does become law, Massachusetts will be second state, behind Hawaii, to increase the purchasing age.
8. The bill carries an effective date of Jan. 1, 2017.