New laws ban vapes resembling school supplies, online sales for customers under 21

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will ban vaping companies from advertising, marketing or promoting electronic cigarettes that look like school supplies.

The legislation comes as Democratic and Republican lawmakers have often heard complaints from teachers about students bringing vapes into school that look like highlighters, erasers and markers.

The law will prohibit manufacturers from marketing e-cigs that are likely to cause a parent, legal guardian, teacher or other person to mistake the vape for a common item.

"I've talked to young people that use them and said they first tried at a party because a friend had one and they thought it would be fun, and everybody else was doing it," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "But it does build an addiction, and that's what we're trying to get in front of."

This change will be enforced by the Illinois Department of Revenue, Attorney General's office and local law enforcement.

A separate law will ban electronic cigarette companies from allowing anyone under 21 to order vaping products online or by mail, excluding distributors and retail stores.

Sponsors and advocates told WAND News this spring that this change could stop young people from buying e-cigs online or having the products mailed to a friend.

"It's important for us to continue to put guardrails in place to prevent kids from easily getting and accessing vapes and e-cigarettes," said Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "We have to do what we can to protect our youth from this high risk to their health."

Senate Bill 3098 will be enforced by the Department of Revenue and local law enforcement.

Both new laws will take effect on January 1.