Illinois Adds E-Cigarettes to Smoke-Free Illinois Act

On Friday, July 28, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB1540 into law, which will prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in nearly all public places. Harold Wimmer, National President, and CEO of the American Lung Association issued the following statement in response.

“As we celebrate the 15th year of the landmark Smoke-Free Illinois Act, the American Lung Association commends Governor Pritzker for signing HB1540 into law to protect workers and all Illinoisans from the harmful toxins and carcinogens in secondhand electronic cigarette emissions.

“E-cigarettes are not harmless. The use of these products has skyrocketed in recent years with tobacco companies targeting teens and young people with enticing flavors. According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey more than 2.5 million young people in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, including nearly 20 percent of Illinois high schoolers.

“We thank advocates statewide for creating momentum for expanding the smokefree law by reducing the negative effects of e-cigarettes on our communities and thank Representative Lilly, Senator Morrison, and the General Assembly for their leadership on this issue.

We look forward to supporting Illinois communities as they implement this law next year.”