Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control states that nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States. Commercial tobacco, responsible for one of every five deaths, is the foremost preventable cause of premature death in America, and

Whereas, Individuals under the age of 21 have no difficulty purchasing tobacco products, and

Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control reports that raising the minimum age for sale of tobacco products to 21 years has been shown to reduce and prevent youth tobacco use. The National Academy of Medicine has concluded that raising the tobacco age to 21 will have a substantial positive impact on public health and save lives. Additionally, 75% of U.S. adults favor raising the Minimum Legal Sales Age for all tobacco products to 21, therefore be it

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent associations to seek the cooperation of their local law enforcement agencies to enforce existing laws regulating the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent associations to encourage state governments
that do not currently have laws relating to limiting the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21 to enact such laws; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA encourage its constituent associations to seek state legislation
that penalizes merchants who violate laws relating to the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21 either through retail sales or from vending machines and adults who furnish or buy tobacco products for individuals under the age of 21; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent associations to seek the support of the
business community in complying with the existing laws and appeal to them to support
the well-being of children and young adults.

Adopted: by the 1989 Convention Delegates
Reviewed: by the 1993, 1994 and 1999 Convention Resolutions Committee
Amended: by the 2021 Convention Delegates