HB 263

Abstract

Amends the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Provides that enclosed laboratories, not open to the public, in an accredited university or government facility where the activity of smoking is exclusively conducted for the purpose of medical or scientific health-related research are not considered a "place of employment" and that smoking is allowed in these enclosed laboratories. Provides that a "retail tobacco store" includes an enclosed workplace that manufactures, imports, or distributes tobacco or tobacco products as a necessary and integral part of its business processes, provided that the involved business entity: (1) maintains a specially designated area or areas within the workplace for the purpose of the heating, burning, smoking, or lighting activities, and does not create a facility that permits smoking throughout; (2) satisfies the 80% requirement related to gross sales; and (3) delivers tobacco products to consumers, retail establishments, or other wholesale establishments as part of its business. Provides that owners of indoor public places and workplaces shall reasonably assure that smoking is prohibited. Provides that smoking is allowed in certain enclosed laboratories and common smoking rooms in long-term care facilities. Provides that the Department, State-certified local public health departments, and local law enforcement agencies shall enforce the provisions of this Act through the issuance of citations and that the citations will conspicuously include certain information. Sets forth procedures to contest a citation issued pursuant to the Act. Imposes conditions on any rulemaking authority. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.