SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  — Legislation is moving forward in the Illinois Legislature that would raise the age to buy tobacco products to 21.

The bill includes tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. More than 30 Illinois communities have already enacted Tobacco 21 ordinances.

Democratic state Rep. Camille Lilly of Chicago said she is sponsoring the legislation because 95 percent of people who smoke started before the age of 21.

The proposal passed the Illinois House on Tuesday on an 82-31 vote. It now goes to the state Senate.

 

Photo by Mikail Duran on Unsplash