Lawmakers in Rockland County want to raise the age for buying tobacco from 18 to 19 years old.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 28 percent of the nation?s teenagers are smokers. The new initiative comes after the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids released a report showing there is no longer a decline in the number of teens smoking. Lawmakers hope by restricting 18-year-olds from purchasing cigarettes, they will prevent them from giving or selling them to younger kids.

A discussion on the issue will be heard at the next legislative meeting. One legislator believes a new law will send a message to teenagers and raise their awareness about the dangers of smoking.