Bill: 18-Year-Olds Can Vote, But Not Smoke

State Senate votes to raise tobacco age to 19

Texas 18-year-olds wouldn't be able to buy cigarettes under a bill approved Wednesday by the state Senate.

The Senate voted 25-5 to raise the legal age for buying tobacco products to 19. Supporters say the change would improve public health and help keep cigarettes away from high school students.

According to the Department of State Health Services, roughly a quarter of Texas high school students smoked cigarettes in 2006.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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