Lilly Fights to Raise Age to Buy Harmful Tobacco Products to 21

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to combat teenage smoking, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, introduced legislation that increases the age to buy tobacco products to 21. 

“I’ve said it time and time again that if you don’t have your health, you don’t have much else,” said Lilly. “When it comes to tobacco, we all know the severe consequences it has to our health and well-being. We made significant ground last year with this bill, and I want to see the momentum behind this to become law.”

Lilly’s House Bill 345, also called Tobacco 21, increases the age at which anyone can purchase cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. Currently, people who are 18 years old can purchase these items, but Lilly’s law changes that and adds stipulations for retailers who fail to adhere to the new rules by revoking their license to sell tobacco. Lilly’s goal behind this bill to to inspire teenagers and young adults to use their energy focusing on doing well in school and extracurricular activites instead of spending their time smoking.

“It is my hope that my colleagues in the General Assembly join me in this endeavor again as we try to prioritize the lives of our youth,” said Lilly. “I want to see Illinois join states like California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine and Oregon that have also tobacco 21 laws and be a leader on the fight against tobacco.”

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.