LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 5, 2024) — Today, the Senate passed legislation by Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), and Paul Wojno (D-Warren) to curb youth tobacco use in Michigan. Senate Bills 651–654 would require tobacco retailers to be licensed and repeal the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. In response to today’s passage, Sen. Singh has issued the following statement:
“With it being all too easy for tobacco and vaping products to wind up in the hands of our young people, it’s clear we need to do something different to address this growing epidemic that has become the leading cause of preventable death in Michigan and across the country. By creating stronger enforcement and accountability measures for tobacco retailers through a statewide regulatory system, we can bring Michigan up to speed with nearly every other state in the country. This legislation has been a significant work in progress, crafted with thoughtful insight from various stakeholders. The passage of this package through the Senate today brings us one step closer to preventing young people from easily accessing tobacco products in Michigan.”