Moylan Supports Reducing Teen Smoking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, recently sponsored and supported legislation raising the legal age to buy all tobacco products, including popular e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

“Raising the age to buy tobacco products is critical to reducing smoking rates,” said Moylan. “Most adult smokers started when they were teenagers, getting cigarettes or chewing tobacco from older friends or family members. We must stem the tide, especially with the rise of e-cigarettes.”

The Moylan-backed House Bill 345 prohibits anyone younger than 21 from purchasing all tobacco products, which includes traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and smokeless chewing tobacco. A growing number of cities and counties in Illinois have already raised the tobacco age to 21, and Moylan previously supported similar legislation last year that was vetoed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner. Health advocates praised Moylan’s support the measure.

“I want to thank Rep. Moylan for putting the health and well-being of young people first,” said Matt Maloney, director of health policy for Respiratory Health Association. “There are seven states that have Tobacco 21 laws in place, and Illinois is one step closer to becoming the eighth. It is my hope that the Illinois Senate will also pass this measure with vast bipartisan support.”