OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bill to gradually increase the legal age to purchase tobacco in Oklahoma from 18 to 21 has passed out of a House committee.
The House Public Health Committee approved the bill Tuesday on a 7-5 vote, and it now heads to the full House for consideration.
Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton, says her bill would not apply to tribal smoke shops, prompting concern from some members that those stores would have an unfair advantage.
Under the bill, the age limit would be increased to 19 in 2013, 20 in 2014 and 21 in 2015.
Coody says a handful of states have increased the legal age to purchase tobacco to 19, but that Oklahoma would be the first to increase the age to 21.
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Online:
House Bill 2314
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