Bill Banning Smoking on Illinois Campuses Clears House

A smoke-free environment on state college and university campuses could be a reality.

State Representatives cleared the bill on Wednesday.

The proposed legislation would include campuses like Western, Northern, Illinois State, Eastern and community colleges that receive state monies.  People would still be able to chew tobacco and use E-cigarettes on campus because they don't actually emit any smoke.

Opponents argue that the bill is walking the line of impeding on a person's right to smoke.  Supporters say it's not about a person's right to smoke, it's about impeding someone else's right to breathe clean air.

The bill is headed to the Illinois Senate.