SPRINGFIELD – Flavored tobacco products – intentionally being targeted to children with candy-like names – would no longer be sold in Illinois under a plan introduced recently by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“In all of their forms, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences,” Morrison said. “The creation of sugary flavorings only entices young children to try tobacco for the first time and threatens the progress we have made over the last several decades in reducing tobacco use among young people.”

Morrison’s proposal – contained in Senate Bill 2275 – would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Morrison introduced the proposal on the heels of recent action by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banning flavored e-cigarettes.

“While the implementation of Tobacco 21 was a major step forward in limiting the availability of tobacco products to teens, the dramatic increase in vaping rates in schools across the country is troublesome,” Morrison said. “There is no purpose for ‘Kool-Aid’ or ‘Fruit Loops’ flavorings other than to appeal to youth and get them hooked on a product that contains nicotine and can alter an adolescent brain.”

In the coming weeks ahead, Morrison plans on meeting with health advocates and others to advance her proposal before the entire Senate.