Chicago City Wire

E-cigarettes have come under attack nationwide, and Illinois is no different. Rep. Brad Stephens issued a statement on July 28 about House Bill 1540, which prohibits vaping in indoor public spaces and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that same day.

“E-cigarettes have demonstrated adverse effects on cardiovascular and lung health, and their rise in popularity can affect our children and possibly be dangerous for vulnerable people breathing it in. This legislation will help ensure that e-cigarettes are regulated like tobacco products in Illinois to protect our communities and children," Stephens said in his statement to Chicago City Wire. "I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation and see it become law."

Stephens is a chief co-sponsor of the bill in question, House Bill 1540, which will disallow vaping in indoor public spaces, and include electronic cigarettes under the categories of “smoke” and “smoking.” According to Stephens’ news release, the only places where it is legal to smoke electronic cigarettes are in private residences, rooms in hotels and motels where smoking is allowed, and other places outlined in the legislation. The bill does not include “smoking that is associated with a native recognized religious ceremony, ritual, or activity by American Indians that is in accordance with the federal American Indian Religious Freedom Act,” in the definitions of “smoke” and “smoking.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health said that electronic cigarettes “produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that help make the aerosol.” They may be disposable, rechargeable, or contain a tank that holds the liquid. IDPH also said that e-cigarettes are an emerging public health threat among youths. IDPH reported that “e-cigarette use in Illinois increased from 18.4% to 26.7% among high school seniors,” between 2016 and 2018. There was a 15% increase among eighth-grade students and a 65% increase among sophomores.

Illinois was one of the first states to sue Juul, a manufacturer of e-cigarettes that the state said, “marketed its harmful nicotine products to minors,”  according to an April 28 news release from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office. That office was part of negotiations that led to a $462 million multistate settlement announced in April 2023.

Stephens was first elected to the Illinois House in 2019, according to a legislative bio page. The Republican's legislative experience includes serving on the Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Police & Fire Committee. Stephens resides in Rosemont.