Last week, the Senate of Alaska passed SB 89 by 14 votes to 6, which will change the minimum age for buying and owning electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products in the state from 19 to 21 years old.

If approved, the Act will bring Alaska's state laws into line with federal standards.


The bill will also impose a 25% tax on e-cigarettes across the state. Last autumn, Governor Dun Mike Dunleavy vetoed a similar bill.

According to Jeff Rogers, Chief Financial Officer of Juneau City and Autonomous Towns, a 25% nicotine tax across the state will increase the Alaska municipal nicotine tax. For example, Juneau currently imposes a 45% tax on the wholesale price of tobacco products or a tax of $3 per packet

The action will also allow local law enforcement agencies to implement the Federal Tobacco 21 standard and ensure that the state does not lose funding and other resources due to tobacco laws complying with federal standards, reports Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.

SB 89 stipulates that it is illegal for anyone to sell or give tobacco or e-cigarette products to anyone under the age of 21. Those found selling or giving tobacco or e-cigarette products to people under the age of 21 will be fined at least $300.

The bill will also impose fines on individuals under the age of 21 who hold tobacco or e-cigarette products. They will be fined no more than $150 and may receive tobacco education programs.

In December 2019, President Donald Trump signed a massive federal spending bill, which also included a provision to increase the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products at the federal level from 18 to 21 years old.

Although federal laws already exist, their enforcement is limited to individuals selling tobacco products, not consumers. The vast majority of states in the United States have updated their laws to align with federal standards.

SB 89 now enters the Alaska House of Representatives.

Last year, the governor of Alaska vetoed a tobacco 21 bill because it included a 35% tax increase on electronic cigarette products.