Arizona House approves SB 1247 to raise tobacco sales age to 21

In a recent session of the Arizona Legislature on March 27, 2025, lawmakers engaged in significant discussions surrounding two key pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 1224, concerning senior property assessments, and Senate Bill 1247, which aims to raise the state tobacco sales age to 21.

Senate Bill 1224 addresses the concerns of county assessors regarding the criteria for senior property tax assessments. Representative Olson emphasized the importance of the bill, noting that it seeks to codify the process for situations where individuals no longer qualify for senior assessments. Although there were concerns raised about an amendment related to the bill, Olson expressed optimism that the issues could be resolved through further discussions with the amendment's sponsor. The bill ultimately received a "do pass" recommendation from the committee.

The more contentious discussion revolved around Senate Bill 1247, which proposes to align Arizona's tobacco sales age with federal law by raising it to 21. Representative Gress, who sponsored the bill, highlighted its importance in preventing youth access to tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. He pointed out that failure to adopt this legislation could jeopardize approximately $5 million in federal funding for substance abuse prevention. Support for the bill came from various sectors, including the tobacco and vaping industries, as well as health organizations.

However, the bill faced opposition from some lawmakers who argued that it infringes on personal freedoms, particularly for 18-year-olds who can serve in the military. Representative Collin raised concerns about the inconsistency of restricting tobacco use while allowing 18-year-olds to vote and make significant decisions affecting the state. He suggested that if the age for tobacco sales is raised, similar considerations should be applied to voting rights.

Despite the debate, the amendment to raise the tobacco sales age was adopted, and the bill received a "do pass" recommendation. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between public health initiatives and individual freedoms, a theme that continues to resonate in legislative debates across the country.

As the Arizona Legislature moves forward, the implications of these bills will be closely monitored, particularly their potential impact on public health and the rights of young adults in the state. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments as lawmakers seek to balance these competing interests.