x
Breaking News
More () »

Ill. Senate OKs raising smoking age to 21

The ban includes any nicotine-based products such as e-cigarettes or vaping materials.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate has voted to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21.

The Senate voted 35-20 Wednesday to ban under-21 sales of tobacco or tobacco-related products. The ban includes any nicotine-based products such as e-cigarettes or vaping materials.

Sen. Julie Morrison is the sponsor of the plan. The Deerfield Democrat says the risk of smoking addiction is more likely the younger a smoker is.

Sen. Kyle McCarter opposed the plan. The Republican from Lebanon in southern Illinois says that if 18-year-olds can join the military, they have the right to smoke a cigarette.

Five states and 14 Illinois cities and counties, including Chicago, have already adopted local ordinances setting the age at 21.

The bill goes to the House.

__

The bill is SB2332.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov

Before You Leave, Check This Out