HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont says he will sign legislation into law that increases the age to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21.
The Democrat's promise came minutes after the state Senate gave final legislative approval on Friday to a bill that also prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping products to anyone under 21. The vote was 33-3.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a coalition of health advocacy groups, says the legislation is needed given the rising use of e-cigarettes among young people.
Democratic Sen. Mae Flexer, of Killingly, says some Connecticut schools have had to limit students' access to rest rooms because vaping has become so rampant.
But Republican Sen. Rob Sampson, of Wolcott, says the bill is arbitrary and violates the rights of adults ages 18-21.
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