In a recent move, the Illinois General Assembly voted to increase funding for the state's tobacco control program and raise the cost of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The legislation, HB2755, aims to align taxes on e-cigarettes and other tobacco products (OTPs) with those on cigarettes by increasing the tax on their wholesale price. Additionally, the FY26 state budget will allocate $5 million in new funding for statewide tobacco prevention and education programs.
Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association, commented on the measure's passage: "The American Lung Association applauds the Illinois General Assembly for voting to expand vital state funding to help curb and prevent tobacco use across the state in addition to increasing taxes on tobacco products. These are win-win policies for public health that will help kids avoid using tobacco products, urge Illinoisans addicted to tobacco products to quit and help public health leaders bolster its focus on interventions in communities that have experienced higher rates of tobacco-related health disparities."
Hamilton also expressed appreciation for legislative leadership: "We appreciate the legislature’s leadership in making this strong public health move. In the wake of the recent elimination of Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s longstanding Office on Smoking and Health, we applaud the state’s effort to stand up to Big Tobacco and put Illinois’ children and communities before tobacco industry profits. We look forward to continuing our work with state lawmakers and urge the Governor to support these measures to help protect the public health of all Illinoisans."
The last time Illinois increased OTP tax rates was in 2012, with a tax established on e-cigarettes in 2019. The new budget and tax changes are set to take effect from July 1, 2025.
