Illinois Senate Approves Tobacco 21 Legislation; Righter Votes No

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Published on March 15 2019 10:59 am
Last Updated on March 15 2019 10:59 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The Illinois Senate Thursday passed Tobacco 21 legislation. 

Under House Bill 345, anyone younger than 21 would be prohibited from using tobacco or e-cigarette products. The proposal would eliminate penalties for underage possession, which is current law, but retailers still would be fined for selling restricted products to underage customers.

A number of communities have adopted Tobacco 21 rules on their own. House Bill 345 would make it a statewide standard. 

The Senate passed the measure 39 to 16, which was final legislative action. The House voted 82 to 31 Tuesday to approve the measure.

Local State Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon voted No on the measure, because of what it takes away, and spoke on the Senate floor as to why...