Blagojevich Signs Dorm Smoking Ban

Publication Date: 2006-05-15

• Author:Associated Press
• Publication:cbs2chicago.com

Also Applies To Fraternity, Sorority Houses

College students are banned from smoking in Illinois' dormitories under a measure Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed into law Monday.

The law took effect immediately and applies to private and public colleges statewide. Illinois joins several states in banning smoking in college dorms, Blagojevich's office said.

The measure also prohibits students from smoking in their fraternity or sorority houses if the universities own and operate those buildings.

It is aimed at decreasing fires in the facilities and reducing the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, lawmakers say. The bill's sponsor said separating smokers and nonsmokers is "not enough."