Lilly’s Tobacco 21 Bill Passes Illinois House

SPRINGFILED, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly’s, D-Chicago, legislation to raise the age to buy tobacco products in Illinois passed the House last week with bipartisan support.

“This is a public health issue for our young children who need to be focused on doing the best they can in school and other extracurricular activities. Long-term health care needs to be taken into account because while we enjoy good health at a young age, lung cancer, respiratory issues and heart disease can be exacerbated through smoking,” said Lilly. “Adolescence is a critical time for brain development. Raising the age to buy tobacco products can lower the number of young people who start smoking and then develop a lifelong addiction.”

Lilly’s Senate Bill 2332 raises the age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. The American Lung Association and American Cancer Society are backing Lilly’s effort in order to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and decrease the high risk of cancer as a result of prolonged tobacco use. The measure passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives with bipartisan support after recently passing the state Senate. Senate Bill 2332 now heads to Gov. Bruce Rauner for his signature to become law.

“I am glad my colleagues joined me today to make Illinois a national leader on public health and the well-being of our children,” said Lilly. “We have the opportunity to join other state like California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine and Oregon that have also enacted tobacco 21 laws, and I urge the governor to sign this immediately.”

Lilly represents Chicago’s West Side, Oak Park, River Grove, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park and Melrose Park. Join her weekly newsletter to stay up to date with events and news from the 78th District.