SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans would have to be 21 to purchase tobacco products and e-cigarettes under a measure approved by the state Senate Wednesday.

State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is a co-sponsor of the legislation, House Bill 345.

“The medical evidence is clear and irrefutable: smoking imperils the health of children and young adults,” Gillespie said. “The sooner we implement this law, the fewer children we’ll see on the path to long-term smoking and the life-altering medical consequences that come with that choice.”

Raising the smoking age is expected to reduce the overall smoking rate by about 12 percent.

Under House Bill 345, consumers must be at least 21 to purchase tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products.