SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would protect youth from the dangers of vaping by prohibiting e-cigarettes from being shipped to anyone in the state.

“Students can easily buy e-cigarettes on the internet, including ones that look like school supplies,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These vapes make it hard for teachers to decipher what it is. We have to take the necessary steps to protect our kids from the risks e-cigarettes pose on their health.”

Senate Bill 3098 would prohibit electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s initiative comes in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters.

“When vape pens can be engineered in the form of school supplies, to conceal its identity, the device can be hidden in plain sight, so parents or adults won’t recognize it as an e-cigarette,” said Joliet Township High School District 204 Board President Michelle Stiff. “There has been an alarming increase of e-cigarette use by high school students, we are seeing far too many student discipline cases related to vaping. This is why there needs to be a comprehensive and collaborative approach to lessen the accessibility of sale/marketing of vape products.”

Senate Bill 3098 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and heads to the House for further consideration.