David Lombardo is reporting for the Times Union legislation to increase the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products in New York from 18 to 21 is expected to pass the state Assembly Mar. 6. The measure is intended to help reduce the number of young people who take up smoking each year. The companion legislation in the state Senate is still in the committee process. Last month, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids kicked off a new advocacy campaign to raise the purchase age. Since 2016, six states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey, have raised the sales age to 21. Some municipalities, including New York City and Albany County, have already raised the age. Read the full story in the Times Union.