The State Senate and NH House of Representatives passed four bills that will make New Hampshire healthier — prescription drug price relief, telehealth expansion, Tobacco 21, and support for behavioral health services in schools. These bills are steps away from becoming law as they now head to the Governor’s desk.

Action Alert for Tobacco 21
Governor Sununu has not indicated whether he will sign sign HB 1245, which includes Tobacco 21, into law. Please contact Gov. Sununu’s office at 603-271-2121 or at governorsununu@nh.gov and urge him to sign this critical piece of legislation that will raise the tobacco sales age to 21.

New Futures,  a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates, educates and collaborates to improve the health and wellness of all New Hampshire residents, is asking those who call in to the Governor’s office to provide feedback on the call. Please consider responding to their survey here.

Why NH needs Tobacco 21
Increasing the tobacco sales age from 19 to 21 will go far to boost substance misuse prevention and support the long-term health and safety of youth of Granite State youth. This bill will not only keep NH kids safe and healthy but will also clear up confusion and help ensure stores are complying with the federal Tobacco 21 law, which is required for NH to receive critical federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant funding.

New Hampshire’s rate of tobacco use among youth remains one of the country’s highest and is continuing to rise. According to the 2019 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 50% of Granite State youth have tried e-cigarettes and nearly 34% report current use.

We must speak up now and urge Governor Sununu to sign this bill for the health of our youth!