Region – State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) joined Governor Charlie Baker at the State House July 27 as the bill “An Act Protecting Youth from the Health Risks of Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction,” was officially signed into law. Under Hogan’s leadership, the Committee on Public Health advanced this legislation in response to an advocacy campaign started by Massachusetts high school students concerned about the toll of nicotine addiction on their peers. The bill was co-sponsored by State Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and State Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham).
The bill, seeking to reduce cigarette use and tobacco addiction among youth throughout the commonwealth, prohibits the sale of all tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.
“It is my hope that teenagers will now grow up without easy access to cigarettes,” said Hogan. “This bill helps to ensure the health and well-being of the future generation.”
