DENVER—This week’s Bill To Watch in the Colorado Legislature
THE BILL:
House Bill 1253, raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21.
WHAT IT DOES:
The bill would make Colorado the first state with a statewide 21-to-smoke law. The bill would apply to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and tobacco vaporizers.
WHO WANTS IT?
A bipartisan group of high-ranking lawmakers are sponsoring the bill, indicating it will be taken seriously. Sponsors include the chairwoman of the House Health, Insurance, and Environment Committee, which is first to vote on the proposal.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
There hasn’t been a legislative budget analysis, so it’s too soon to say whether the change would cost Colorado lost tobacco-tax revenue or add to state tax receipts through increased fines.
WHERE IT STANDS:
The bill faces its first hearing Thursday in the House Health, Insurance, and Environment Committee.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
“You have to be 21 to gamble. You have to be 21 to drink. You have to be 21 to smoke marijuana. Why are we not consistent about tobacco?” —Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, one of the bill’s sponsors.
READ THE BILL AND FOLLOW IT:
