Wisconsin Health News

The Assembly signed off on raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 during a floor session on Thursday.

The federal government raised the age last year, but state and local law enforcement don't have the authority to enforce federal law.

States have to comply with the federal law or else risk losing funding on a block grant for mental health services that relies on compliance with the policy.

Lawmakers approved an amendment to the original bill striking the mention of the age 21 and instead referencing the age set by federal law.

Bill author Rep. John Spiros, R-Marshfield, said that would ensure that lawmakers won't have to modify state law if federal law changes again.

"By passing this bill, not only are we ensuring that Wisconsin does not lose federal funding, but we are also helping to stop the public health crisis in its tracks," Spiros said.

Rep. Jill Billings, D-La Crosse, offered an amendment voted down by Republicans that would provide $2 million for smoking cessation and education.

For some young adults who smoke, raising the age could cut off access to tobacco purchase, she said.

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