ILLINOIS (WAND) – Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed a bill that would raise the tobacco age to 21 in Illinois.
The governor announced the decision in a Thursday press release, where he explained that although smoking is “detrimental” to the health of people, the change would cause harm.
“Unfortunately, this legislation will inhibit the choice of consumers while also not helping keep tobacco products out of the hands of youth,” he said.
Rauner says smokers would simply buy tobacco products from other states or non-licensed venders if they can’t legally be purchased. He says Illinois would lose revenue while public health problems remain an issue.
The bill would have also taken away the penalty for minors possessing tobacco.
“Furthermore, the existing penalty that this legislation removes for minors possessing tobacco is reasonable, provides the opportunity for education on the harmful effects of tobacco products, and is a disincentive for tobacco use,” the governor added. “Eliminating this penalty will make it harder for communities to effectively address the public health issues connected to tobacco products.”
