SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- An Indiana bill passed on Monday will raise the tobacco purchasing age, taking another step to stop teen smoking.

Currently, a person 18-years-old or older can purchase tobacco products. However, this House bill states it will increase the age to 21-years-old.

A representative with Smoke-Free St. Joseph County said this bill is going to help many young people avoid a lifetime of addiction.

According to the American Lung Association, 95 percent of adult smokers start before age 21. In Indiana, 11 percent of high school students smoke, while, 32 percent use tobacco products.

The ALA also reports that more than 11,000 Hoosiers die from tobacco-related diseases.

The Indiana House Public Health committee voted unanimously for this bill on Monday. It will now head to the House floor for more discussion.

If passed, Indiana will join five other states who have raised the tobacco purchasing age.

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