(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — New Year, new ban: As of Monday, the use of electronic cigarettes is no longer allowed in Illinois’ indoor, public spaces.
The law adds e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited items for public, indoor use under the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which took effect in 2008. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the law in 2023.
Under the measure, vaping will no longer be allowed inside public spaces or within 15 feet of a public entrance.
“Just like smoking, vaping can lead to lung damage and nicotine addiction,” said Illinois Department of Public Director (IDPH) Dr. Sameer Vohra.
Officials said bars, restaurants and other retail establishments can download signage and get more information on Illinois’ website.
The IDPH highlighted a few other laws intended to improve public health in 2024, including House Bill 2238, which aims to help medical facilities offer a higher level of treatment and intervention for stroke patients.
House Bill 3203, which was sponsored by Rep. Tony McCombie and Sen. Sally Turner, allows pharmacists and retailers to sell fentanyl test strips and will allow count health departments to provide the test strips free of charge.
Another measure, House Bill 1117, increases the number of and capacity of hospice residence facilities that provide end-of-life care to patients.
Finally, Senate Bill 0759 allows podiatrists with the appropriate training to administer certain vaccinations, including influenza, tetanus and COVID-19 shots to patients over the age of 18.
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