A study led by ASPiRE’s Page Dobbs and Lisa Henriksen explored the effect of state laws setting the minimum legal sales age that also prohibit localities from enacting stricter laws. (Dr. Dobbs presented early findings at the May 2023 CAB meeting in San Diego.) The study updates the status of preemption in laws enacted in 40 states between 2015 and 2022. More than half included preemptive language. “Historically, preemption has slowed the diffusion of best practices in tobacco control, and once implemented, the laws are difficult to repeal,” the authors conclude. “The recent expansion of preemption could inhibit the evolution, development, and implementation of effective tobacco control policies.” Read the paper.