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Public‑health advocates and businesses clash over local nicotine rules and statewide preemption
Summary
Supporters of H 330 / S 221 and related bills told the committee they would restore a consistent statewide minimum purchase age of 21 for regulated adult products. Local public‑health officials and some health advocates opposed the bills, saying municipalities should retain authority to experiment with stronger local restrictions such as nicotine‑‑
Boston — The committee heard extended testimony and debate over bills (H 330, S 221 and related measures) that would clarify a single statewide minimum purchase age for adult‑use products and limit municipal authority to adopt stricter local sales rules, a topic that has drawn sustained local and national attention.
Public‑health scholars and advocates warned that proposals which penalize minors or curb local authority can have unequal effects. Janine Chadwick, a researcher at Brandeis University, said the Commonwealth does not currently impose purchase/use/possession…
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