HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut is moving closer toward increasing the legal age, from 18 to 21, for purchasing cigarettes, other tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and vaping products.

By a vote of 124-22, the House of Representatives on Thursday advanced legislation that increases the age and also prohibits smoking or vaping on school grounds at any time. The bill now awaits Senate action.

The bill also doubles the annual fee from $400 to $800 for vaping business licenses.

Lawmakers say they've heard an outcry from educators about mounting problems with vaping. Republican Rep. Leslee Hill of Canton says her town's high school has required students to use the rest room one-by-one during lunch periods to prevent them from vaping.

The bill no longer includes a proposed ban on flavored cigarettes and vaping liquids.