Mason Bill Seeks to Bring Vaping Education to Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois students would receive education on the risks of vaping under a new measure introduced by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee. Mason’s House Bill 3928 amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act to include e-cigarettes and vaping devices as topics that must be covered in school health curricula.

“In recent years, vaping nicotine has risen in popularity dramatically, especially among young people,” said Mason. “Even though we know these products are addictive and hazardous to our health, our state and federal regulations haven’t been able to keep up with how quickly these products have taken over the market.”

The Pew Research Center reports the number of high school students in the United States who vape nicotine doubled between 2017 and 2019. The center also reports younger people are less likely to view vaping as harmful. Illinois law requires schools to teach students about the effects of traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chew, but there is currently no statute that ensures Illinois students spend classroom time learning about the risks associated with vaping.

“This measure is one of many crucial steps we must take to bring our legislation up to speed with the dangerous substances being marketed to our young people,” said Mason. “I’m proud to stand up for the health of our residents, and I urge my fellow legislators to join me in advocating for the passage of this important measure.”