You will have to be at least 21 to buy tobacco products in Illinois under a bill passed by the Illinois Senate on Wednesday. Supporters say people are less likely to smoke if they don’t start in their teens. But opponents, like State Senator Kyle McCarter, say 18 and 19 year olds are old enough to decide for themselves.
Several communities in Illinois have already enacted a local law raising the age to 21. This statewide version now moves to the Illinois House.