The Iowa Senate passed a bill that would conform state law with a new federal law.

District 24 Senator Jerry Behn of Boone says they passed a bill that would require anyone who purchases, possesses or uses tobacco or vaping products to be over 21. Behn points out the main reason why the legislature had to step in with this topic.

“Well because (the U.S.) Congress passed a bill back in December (of 2019) that changed the age to 21 (for tobacco and vaping purchases and possession). And that bill that they passed required states to comply in order to continue eligibility for federal block grants.”

Behn says it was a difficult bill to pass.

“Most people don’t like smoking, most people just assume put restrictions on it. But I don’t really like being arm-twisted by the federal government, but I really thought that it was important to keep the block grants and I just thought overall the benefits outweighed the detractions.”

The Senate passed the bill 43-6 and Behn is not sure if it will be passed by the House.