LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Senator McConnell wants to raise the age to buy tobacco products.
The Senate Majority Leader announced plans to introduce a bill that would raise the nationwide minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The measure, which McConell says he'll introduce in May, will cover all tobacco products, including vaping devices. Eleven states have enacted similar laws.
McConnell's bill will include an exemption for people in the military.
Kentucky has some of the highest cancer rates in the country. It leads the nation with 34% of cancers tied directly to smoking. 45% of Kentucky high school students report having tried vaping. About 95% of adult smokers began using tobacco products before they turned 21.