Indiana Chamber of Commerce Looking to Raise Smoking Age From 18 to 21
The Evansville Courier & Press reported Monday that the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has submitted a proposal to the state legislature to raise the state's smoking age from 18-21.
The Chamber of Commerce has a plan to decrease Indiana's smoking rate, and raising the age is part of that plan. They've also proposed the idea for employers to screen potential hires for tobacco use. This would allow employers the choice to not hire a smoker.
Typically, smokers have a higher risk of health issues. Because of the risks associated with smoking, an employer would be able to choose not to hire smokers.
The chamber says smoking causes nearly $3 billion in healthcare costs and an additional $3.1 billion in productivity losses annually in Indiana, according to the Evansville Courier & Press.
Nothing is said and done just yet. The Indiana General Assembly will host their annual meeting at the beginning of the year.
Regardless, Indiana wouldn't be the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21. California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, and Oregon have also implemented this law.
What do you think?