Bill Raising New Jersey Smoking Age To 21 Advances
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — A bill to raise the smoking age from 19 to 21 in New Jersey has once again advanced in the Democrat-led Legislature.
An Assembly committee approved the legislation Monday, a little more than a month after Republican Gov. Chris Christie pocket vetoed the measure.
The bill would fine retailers up to $1,000 if they sell to anyone 20 years old or younger, but would not punish underage smokers.
New Jersey would be the second state behind Hawaii to raise the smoking age to 21.
"We moved the drinking age from 18 to 21 and we've had better outcomes," Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt said.
Lampitt, one of the bill's sponsors, says it would save millions in health care for would-be smokers if they never start.
"Moving it just a few more years could prevent youth from adopting addictive behaviors," she says.
RELATED: NJ Lawmakers Want To Restrict Smoking At State's Beaches
Several other states have proposed similar measures, and the smoking age has already been raised to 21 in New York City.
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