AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 21 – Raise Smoking Age to 21, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:

“I want to thank Sen. Huffman for passing this important legislation for the children of Texas. Senate Bill 21 will save lives and is an investment in Texas’ future. Increasing the age to purchase tobacco products in Texas to 21 will not only improve public health and save countless lives, it will save Texans billions of dollars in health care costs.”