Wait’s Youth Smoking Prevention Bill Passes House
April 23, 2007
Belvidere, IL…State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) steered his youth smoking prevention legislation through the Illinois House of Representatives Friday. The bill, HB274, enjoyed broad bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly.
“Protecting our children and teenagers from the dangers of smoking is not only something we should do, it is something we are morally obligated to do,” Wait said. “Tobacco use by minors is a serious public health concern and my legislation will help encourage our young people to avoid tobacco.”
The legislation authorizes Illinois’ judges to order underage smokers and their parents to attend smoker’s education or youth diversion programs, if available. Judges may also require underage smokers to pay minor fines or perform community service for each offense.
The bill amends the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Minors Act to prohibit the sale of tobacco products by any person under the age of 16 and further prohibits the possession of tobacco products by minors under the age of 18. While many towns and municipalities have already instituted these restrictions and seen the accompanying success at combating youth smoking, Wait’s bill would be the first to make such restrictions statewide.
“It’s ridiculous that we prohibited minors from buying tobacco, but not from using tobacco products. If we’re going to discourage young people from using tobacco products, we need to give parents the legal support to enforce the rules,” Wait said. “When we restrict other harmful substances like alcohol, we make sure that its illegal for minors to use, buy, or possess the product. I’m just trying to stay consistent.”
The bill now advances to the Illinois Senate for consideration.