Smoking banned on Illinois Campuses

This last Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law that prohibits smoking on state-supported campuses. This law bans students from not only smoking indoors, but also any outdoor spaces on campus. This law goes into effect July 1st, 2015.

Governor Quinn also signed a law that will restrict the display of e-cigarettes — both laws are part of his agenda to improve the overall health of all of Illinois residents. The Smoke Free Campus Act has been sponsored and supported by many, including State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago). The American Lung Association has been working with state legislators to see these laws through. Upper Midwest CEO Lew Bartfield of the American Lung Association is excited for the success, and stated:

“…the new law will provide a healthy learning environment that promotes health and wellness for students, faculty, staff and visitors at all public colleges and universities in Illinois. The law not only minimizes toxic secondhand smoke exposure but also improves the campus environment by reducing smoking related litter. We applaud the Illinois State Legislature and Governor Pat Quinn for passing and signing the Illinois Smoke Free Campus Act.”

Privately owned vehicles driving through the campus are exempt from this law. Likewise, the law won’t incriminate those who are parked on campus in a non-state-owned vehicle.

Smoke-Free Campuses

Currently the colleges in Illinois that are smoke-free are:

  • Aurora University
  • Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
  • City Colleges of Chicago (7 colleges)
  • College of DuPage
  • Danville Area Community College
  • Greenville College, Hannibal LaGrange University
  • McHenry County College
  • Olivet Nazarene University
  • Rush University
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Waubonsee Community College
  • Wheaton College.

Other campuses that will be mandated to become smoke-free are:

  • Chicago State University
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Governors State University
  • Western Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Northeastern Illinois University, and
  • Any community college subject to the Public Community College Act.

Southern Illinois University and Illinois State University have already taken steps to a making their campuses smoke-free. “A college education can put people ahead in life, but smoking can do just the opposite,” Senator Link stated. “This new law will clear the air on campuses statewide and help produce healthier graduates.”

Chicago Drug Defense Lawyer

As Illinois takes steps to making a safer, healthier state, this law may seem a tad restrictive to some. Studies suggest that cigarette smoking can increase a person’s risk of using harder, illegal drugs.

If you have been convicted of a drug related crime and are unsure of your options, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices J. Samuel Worley for a free consultation. Sam Worley is an experienced Chicago Drug Defense Lawyer, and provides those in need with his experience, infinite resources, and the knowledge that will help them gain the confidence they need to protect their rights. Call today: 312-953-LAW1    

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.