College Smoking Ban Passes Illinois Senate

The Illinois Senate approved a plan on Wednesday to ban smoking on all state university and community college campuses.

The measure passed with a 30-22 vote.

Michelle Guerra is with the Wellness Center on the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus, and she said the U of I is moving forward with its own plan to ban smoking for everyone by January.

“It doesn’t really impact us whether that state law passes or fails because we decided we wanted a smoke free policy a long time before that legislation was introduced,” Guerra said.

Opponents say the plan in the Illinois legislature infringes on universities' rights to make their own decisions.

Area lawmakers to vote in favor of the legislation included State Sens. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). Meanwhile, Sens. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), and Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) voted against the proposal. Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) cast a no vote.

The measure, which would take effect on July 1, 2014, now moves to the House.