In a Sunday tweet, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he was "proud to sign" House Bill 345, which bans the sale of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, e-cigarettes and vaping materials to minors.
>> On Ilga.gov: Read the full text of the legislation here
"Today is a milestone day for the health of our communities and especially our young people," Pritzker, a Democrat, tweeted. "Illinois is now the first state in the Midwest to enact #Tobacco21."
He went on to say that the law, effective July 1, will make schools healthier and save lives.
Today is a milestone day for the health of our communities and especially our young people. Illinois is now the first state in the Midwest to enact #Tobacco21.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 7, 2019
Raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21 is supported by the U.S. @Surgeon_General, @AmericanCancer, our own @IDPH, our local health departments, by all available research, every standing here and by common sense. pic.twitter.com/mUQu2SGypo
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 7, 2019
For Illinois, it will reduce costs for our state, it will make our schools and communities healthier places to learn and live, and – most importantly – it will save lives. I am so proud to sign this legislation today. pic.twitter.com/MoTaUl8K8U
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 7, 2019
The law eliminates "penalties for underage possession" but imposes fines against businesses caught selling tobacco to anyone under 21, the AP reported.
Other states have passed similar laws, including Washington, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Virginia, Arkansas, New Jersey, Hawaii, Utah and Maine, WREX-TV reported.
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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