TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey could become the second state to raise the smoking age to 21, reported the Associated Press.
The state legislature has passed a bill that would fine retailers up to $1,000 if they sell cigarettes or other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, to anyone 20 years old or younger. The law would not punish underage smokers.
It’s unclear whether Governor Chris Christie will sign it into law. He has until Jan. 19 to decide, and a spokesperson declined to comment to AP on the governor’s intentions. In 2014, the Republican presidential candidate vetoed a bill that passed with overwhelming support to extend a smoking ban to parks and public beaches, saying local municipalities should be able to decide.
Hawaii became the first state to raise the smoking age to 21 starting Jan. 1, and similar measures have been introduced in eight other states and the District of Columbia. Boston banned under-21 tobacco sales in December. Federal lawmakers have also proposed a nationwide smoking age of 21.
Lawmakers cited a 2015 study from the National Academy of Sciences that said raising the smoking age to 21 would reduce smoking rates among teens by 12%.
Another survey showed an almost 50% drop in smoking rates among high school students in Needham, Mass., which raised the age in 2005.
Advocates also point to the spike in the number of teens using e-cigarettes.
Some estimates predict that states like New Jersey will lose millions in tax revenue, said the report.
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