Illinois' New Vape & Tobacco Bills: Higher Taxes, Stricter Regulations & How to Fight Back
Illinois lawmakers are pushing several bills that increase taxes and tighten regulations on vaping and tobacco products. These bills—S.B. 1314, H.B. 3606, and H.B. 2634—aim to enforce higher taxes, stricter licensing, and new product definitions that could negatively impact consumers and businesses. Here’s what you need to know and how you can take action against these laws.
Breakdown of the Bills
S.B. 1314 – Higher Taxes & Licensing for Remote Sales
This bill amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995, adding new financial burdens on remote sales. Key provisions include:
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36% tax on remote retail tobacco sales (i.e., online or out-of-state purchases shipped to Illinois).
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Mandatory licensing and registration for remote retailers.
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$0.75 tax cap per cigar, effective 2026 to 2028.
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Enforcement measures and penalties for non-compliance.
👉 Impact: Higher taxes and licensing fees could drive up prices for consumers and hurt online vape/tobacco businesses.
H.B. 3606 – Tax Increases on Tobacco & Vape Products
This bill raises taxes and fees on tobacco products while redefining electronic cigarettes. Key provisions include:
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45% tax on tobacco products starting July 1, 2025 (up from 36%).
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Expanded definition of electronic cigarettes, potentially leading to further regulations.
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Tax revenue will be redirected to health programs rather than being used to support harm reduction.
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Retailer’s license fee increases from $75 to $150.
👉 Impact: This bill will increase prices for consumers while making it harder for retailers to operate. The expanded e-cigarette definition could lead to future restrictions or bans.
H.B. 2634 – Regulation of Vape Products Based on FDA Status
This bill determines which vape products are legally allowed in Illinois based on FDA regulations. Key provisions include:
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E-cigarettes first sold before August 8, 2016, and with a pending PMTA submitted by September 9, 2020, are NOT considered adulterated.
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Potential for further state restrictions based on FDA actions.
👉 Impact: This bill could restrict many popular vape products based on FDA status, limiting choices for consumers and hurting businesses that sell products awaiting approval.
How to Fight These Bills
If you’re against higher taxes, tighter vape restrictions, and increased business costs, you need to take action before these bills become law.
1. Contact Illinois Lawmakers
Your state representatives need to hear from you! Call, email, or visit your legislators to express opposition to these bills. You can find your representatives here:
🔗 Illinois General Assembly Contact Info
2. Mobilize the Vape & Tobacco Community
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Inform vape shop owners and retailers about these bills.
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Spread the word on social media and join online vape/tobacco communities.
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Join advocacy groups like CASAA (Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association) or the Vapor Technology Association (VTA).
3. Attend Public Hearings & Submit Comments
Illinois lawmakers hold hearings before passing bills. You can submit written comments or testify in person to voice opposition.
4. Support Legal Challenges
If these bills pass, lawsuits may be filed to challenge excessive taxation and overreach. Support organizations that fight for adult access to alternative nicotine products and consumer choice.
Final Thoughts
Illinois is ramping up taxes and regulations on tobacco and vape products with these bills. While the state claims these measures promote health, they could instead drive-up prices, hurt small businesses, and limit consumer choices.
If you want to protect your right to vape and keep prices reasonable, now is the time to act. Contact your legislators, spread awareness, and fight back against these restrictive laws.
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