A newly-proposed bill in Kentucky would increase the age to purchase tobacco products, with the intent to reduce use of tobacco by the state’s young people.

Senate Bill 967 was prefiled by Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester) and would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and other related products to 21. The legal age is currently 18.

The bill would:

— Define tobacco products to include current and future tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products

— Prohibit the sale of tobacco products to those under 21

— Require tobacco retailers or their employees to verify the age of the purchaser prior to the sale

—Require tobacco retailers to post signs stating sales to people under 21 are prohibited; and

— Assess penalties against retailers that violate the law.

We support this bill, and believe it’s one key measure the state can take to tackle the skyrocketing use of e-cigarettes and vaping products among young people.

Earlier this year, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell proposed a national increase on the age to purchase tobacco products.

We also supported that measure.

Nationwide there has been a rapid increase in vaping and e-cigarette use, which McConnell said prompted the proposed legislation.

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices with liquid cartridges that produce vapor that users inhale, and most deliver a dose of nicotine higher even cigarettes. Many of the devices use fruity- or sweet-flavored liquids that also appeal to young people. As teens gain access to these devices — things like Juuls and vape machines — they are also becoming addicted to nicotine. Evidence indicates e-cigarettes are a gateway to cigarettes and other nicotine-packed tobacco products. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report found e-cigarettes are now more common among teens than cigarettes.

A U.S. Surgeon General’s report found e-cigarettes are now more common among teens than cigarettes.

E-cigarette use increased 78 percent among high school students during the past year, from 11.7 percent in 2017 to 20.8 percent in 2018, the report found. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. youth, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, reported currently using e-cigarettes, the report also revealed.

As e-cigarette use continues to explode, so do the potential risks. Beyond the addictive nature of nicotine, there are also dangers associated with the chemical.

The U.S. Surgeon General reports, “Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain — which continues to develop until about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact learning, memory and attention.

In recent years, Kentucky has made strides to reduce tobacco use, including implementing a 50-cent per pack price increase in 2018 and passing the tobacco-free campus legislation this session.

This is another step lawmakers can take to protect teens and other U.S. citizens from the dangers of tobacco, vaping and e-cigarette use.

Any additional steps to curb tobacco use and, thus, reduce the life-long and even fatal risks associate with smoking are steps in the right directions.

As a state with a long history of tobacco use, illnesses and deaths, it is great to see McConnell stepping up to propose such legislation.

We hope to see this proposed legislation made law, to see fewer Kentuckians smoking and to reap the benefits of those much-needed social changes in our state.

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The board is comprised of publisher Michael Caldwell and Bluegrass Newsmedia editors Whitney Leggett and Ben Kleppinger. To inquire about a meeting with the board, contact Caldwell at 759-0095.