Bill passes to increase smoking age

AUSTIN (AP) - Eighteen-year-old Texans looking to light up after graduation could have to wait an extra year. A bill that would increase the legal age for buying tobacco products to 19 passed unanimously through a state Senate committee Tuesday.

Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, said his bill could cut 18-year-old tobacco use 20 percent. It could also mean as much as $12.5 million less in tax revenue for the state over the next two years.

With the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approval, the proposal now seeks a hearing with the full Senate.