Quinn signs bill banning on-campus smoking for state colleges

Publication Date: 2014-08-17

• Author:Kim Geiger
• Publication:Chicago Tribune

Smokers at Illinois’ public colleges and universities will have to take their habit off campus under a new law signed today by Gov. Pat Quinn.

The Smoke Free Campus Act bans smoking in both indoor and outdoor spaces on state-supported college and unversity campuses starting July 1, 2015.

"Illinois' college students shouldn't be subject to unwanted cigarette smoke on the campuses they call home," Quinn said in a statement. "We want all schools to be healthy, clean and productive places of learning for Illinois' bright young minds. This new law will improve the health of our students and encourge healthier lifestyles after college graduation."

Many colleges and universities, including University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois at Chicago, already have smoking bans on their campuses, according to the governor's office.

Smoking will still be allowed inside cars traveling through campus. The law also provides exceptions for certain activities allowed under the Federal American Indian Religious Freedom Act, according to the governor's office...