HR0792 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0792 LRB104 21406 ECR 36396 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illegal vapes, often sold in kid-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, and dessert, continue to proliferate in retail outlets and online markets, despite clear state and federal restrictions; and

WHEREAS, These illegal products frequently bypass regulatory review, contain unknown chemicals, and pose significant health risks to children and adolescents; and

WHEREAS, Educators are witnessing an alarming increase in student vaping incidents on school campuses, disrupting learning environments and creating disciplinary challenges; and

WHEREAS, The accessibility of illegal flavored vapes directly undermines school-based prevention programs and public health messaging aimed at reducing youth nicotine addiction; and

WHEREAS, Many illegal vape products are marketed with colorful packaging, cartoon imagery, and branding that deliberately appeals to minors; and

WHEREAS, Existing enforcement efforts remain insufficient to curb the availability of these products in communities statewide; and

WHEREAS, The burden of addressing student vaping often falls on teachers, counselors, and administrators, diverting time and resources away from instructional responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, Protecting the health and safety of students is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action between schools, families, communities, and state regulators; and

WHEREAS, Stronger enforcement against unlicensed manufacturers, importers, and retailers would significantly reduce youth access to illegal vapes; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Educators Alliance is committed to advocating for policies that safeguard student well-being and support healthy, distraction-free learning environments; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that urge regulators and enforcement agencies to increase inspections and ensure that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers reduce the selling of unlawful, kid-friendly vapes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge for strengthened coordination between State agencies, law enforcement, school districts, and public health authorities to reduce youth access to illegal vape products and protect the health of all students; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Educators Alliance.