Illinois to Ban E-Cigarette Use in Public Places

On March 24, according to U.S. media mystateline, the Illinois Senate passed a bill this week aimed at banning the use of electronic cigarettes and other smoking devices in public places.

Electronic Cigarettes Included in Smoking Control Bill

The bill will include electronic cigarettes and smoking devices in Illinois' smoking control law. Previously, the smoking control law passed in Illinois in 2007 prohibited smoking within 15 feet (4.5 meters) of public entrances and required no smoking signs to be posted in public places.

However, in recent years, the use of electronic cigarettes has become increasingly popular, and Illinois Democratic Senator Julie Morrison wants to ensure that electronic cigarettes and other smoking devices are also included.

Morrison stated, “I believe this will protect the public, and I hope it will normalize the use of tobacco, making people think twice before picking up tobacco products.”

The proposal will now be submitted to the Illinois House of Representatives.

Illinois Legislative Process

The public smoking control bill in Illinois is a state bill, and amending it requires following the legislative process in Illinois. 

Draft Submission: Legislators or the governor can submit a draft to amend the public smoking control bill and submit it to the Illinois Senate or House of Representatives. 

Committee Review: The draft may be submitted to a committee for review. The committee will carefully review and discuss the draft and then decide whether to recommend it for a vote by the full legislature. 

Legislative Vote: If the committee decides to recommend the draft, it will be submitted to the Illinois Senate or House of Representatives for a vote. Legislators can propose amendments and revisions, and then vote on whether to pass the bill. 

Conference: If the Illinois Senate or House of Representatives passes the bill, it will be sent to the other chamber for review and vote. If both chambers pass the bill, it will be submitted to the Illinois governor for signature and approval. 

Signature Approval: If the governor signs the bill, the amended public smoking control bill will become law in Illinois. 

Currently, the amendment to the smoking control bill in Illinois is still in progress, and further updates will follow, so please stay tuned. 

References:

【1】Illinois Senate passes bill that would ban vaping in public places