State of Illinois about to ban sale of electronic cigarettes

[Tom09]

from the Illinois State Legislation: SB3174 Engrossed

18 (a-6) Nicotine delivery products. No product containing or
19 delivering nicotine intended or expected for human
20 consumption, or any part of such a product, that is not a
21 tobacco product as defined by 21 U.S.C. 321(rr) shall be
22 distributed or sold in this State or to consumers in this State
23 unless it has been approved or otherwise certified for legal
1 sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration for
2 tobacco use cessation, harm reduction, or for other medical
3 purposes, and is being marketed and sold solely for that
4 approved purpose.

Webpage for tracking this bill: SB3174

Bill Status:
2/9/2010 Senate First Reading
3/9/2010 Senate Second Reading
3/10/2010 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 049-004-000 [49 YEAS 4 NAYS]
3/11/2010 House First Reading
3/11/2010 House Referred to Rules Committee

Presently, the states of NY, Maryland and Illinois move along the same line toward sales prohibition.

 

[Tiger]

This is getting out of hand!!

Trying to pass new laws without knowing the facts. Or seeing how the Federal Courts rule on it.

They are all jumping the gun IMHO.

 

[rickyman]

I hope these Illinois government clowns don't take cignot away from us. This is getting ridiculous!

 

[Matt815]

Did this pass??? I live in Illinois. What do I need to do???

 

[beebopnjazz]

These states are in "bed" with the FDA or big tobacco no doubt. They're losing precious tax revenue which they never really explained to the public anyway - exactly what the next step is in revenue loss if everyone stopped smoking.

Tobacco stopped credit card companies, UPS and Federal Express from using/delivering cigarettes when people ordered them too.

Why wasn't that Federal suit a class action? Anyone know?

 

[MsSki]

this starting to look ugly!!!!

 

[kristin]

Sounds like the FDA sent a letter out to a few state reps back in January.

I suggest we all check to see what is going on in our own states behind our backs!

 

[BigJimW]

Sounds like the FDA sent a letter out to a few state reps back in January.

I suggest we all check to see what is going on in our own states behind our backs!

This may very well be the case. Illinois and Missouri using almost exact verbiage in their proposed laws. Somebody was busy with the fax machine it seems.

Thank God RI is not on the hit list yet. But it's only a matter of time.

 

[lonercom]

The sponsor of this legislation is Sen. Mattie Hunter.

Here is her contact infoemation:
http://www.freedomspeaks.com/official/25740/illinois-(il)-state-senator-mattie-hunter-%5Bil-senate%5D

hunter@senatedem.state.il.us
Member, Advisory Council Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependency, present

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=33592

http://mattiehunter.com/
312-949-1908

I am wondering if an appeal can be made to wait until the legalities of this issue get sorted out.

As a member of the committee on addiction, a case might be made comparing e-cig to Methadone treatment for opiate addicts.

I don't live in Il. and my opinion won't matter.

She also represents one of Chicago's most economically challenged districts. This is an area that cigarette taxes cut into other financial aspects of an individual's day to day lives. Turning otherwise law abiding citizens into criminals in order to support their addiction to nicotine.

This is also an area where healthcare access and costs are also challenging. Why would she want to deny her constituents access to an alternative that might just help reduce cigarette related medical expenses.

If she pursues her current course of action and the courts find in favor of the plaintiffs, the political backlash could be devastating.

Also might be time for a "letter to the editor" campaign to Chicagoo and Springfield newspapers.

 

[Vocalek]

Gotta love this on her contact page (first link)

"Senator Hunter does not currently have any friends."

 

[lonercom]

well, none that she will admit to...

 

[yanks21]

Funny her site is "down for updating" this week

 

[Drummel]

And oddly enough I can't send email. Hotmail postmaster keeps stating failure to send.

Time to hand write another letter.

 

[kristin]

The Illinois vapers contingent did an awesome job! The committee refused to vote on the bill until they get more information. And they made the news! Vote on electronic cigarettes ban postponed in Ill. House committee | Political Fix | STLtoday

Hopefuly, JustJulie will come by and fill us in on some of the details - they have some great stories! They called me after the meeting and sounded pumped, excited and hopeful!

The job is not done yet - there is another meeting next week. And then we have to take our fight to New York!!

 

[Sherrick]

That is much better news than I was expecting to hear! Good for them...Good for us!!!

 

[wader2k]

I was there. I came away with very good vibes! More support than I expected in the audience AND on the committee. I think they were a little surprised by the amount of response.

As Kristin says though, the job is not done....simply set aside for more info/input.


ps. I got the feeling that the chair realized the votes weren't there and started wondering about possible amendments to attempt to get the votes. It didn't sound like the American Lung Assoc or other proponents were too keen on that.....
Just my gut feeling is all .....I am NOT a legal eagle type and really am out of my element when it comes to political process so take this with a grain of salt. I'm sure those more familiar with the process can elucidate and speculate far better than I!

 

[htchhikr]

Does anyone know when it is for next week? If I have some notice I can take the day off work and drive down.

Also, I'd have 3 empty seats and my car is vaping friendly.

 

[Oliver]

To keep the focus in one place, I'm closing all Illinois threads.

Please use this one instead: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...more-action-needed-next-week.html#post1264117

 

[Oliver]

To keep the focus in one place, I'm closing all Illinois threads.

Please use this one instead: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...more-action-needed-next-week.html#post1264117