It’s hard being a teenager today. The nation’s politics are mentally unhealthy and bad habits picked up at a young age are medically unhealthy.

The state Legislature took two steps forward this session to improve the health of young Alaskans and, hopefully, the governor will consent to both measures making it into law.

For one bill, let’s hope that the third time is the charm.

Senate Bill 24, sponsored by retiring Kodiak Sen. Gary Stevens, would impose a 25% tax on retail e-cigarette and vape products, as well as prohibit purchases by anyone under the age of 21, the same legal age for tobacco purchases.

It passed with support from two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate.

“This bill is about protecting our children from becoming addicted to nicotine,” Stevens said in testimony to the House Finance Committee last month.

Supporters believe the tax and age restriction will discourage youth from using the products, just as higher taxes and other restrictions have contributed to a decline in young people lighting up traditional cigarettes.

The legislation isn’t a new idea — Stevens has tried before. The governor vetoed the senator’s first attempt in 2022, and House Republicans snuffed out the next effort in 2024.

E-cigarettes and vape products have gained in popularity, particularly among young puffers, since the last time the state’s tobacco tax laws were amended in 2006. This would be a good time to light up the state’s effort to discourage teen vaping.

The other legislation waiting for the governor’s decision — also sponsored by Stevens in his final term after 26 years in the Legislature — would add civics education to the graduation requirements for high school students.

Senate Bill 23 passed the House and Senate on a combined vote of 57 to 3.

The legislation is intended to add to what students know and understand of the U.S. government and civic responsibilities. Each school district could develop its own curriculum, and students could choose from three options under the law: complete and pass a semester of civics, pass a civics exam or complete a civics project.

The curriculum could cover the roles and operations of local, state and national governments; the responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches; the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship; civil liberties and civil rights; campaigns and elections; domestic and foreign policy.

All good things to know, particularly for high school seniors who will move into the civics world of voting and deciding the country’s direction. Knowing more about how and why government works is a healthy choice.