State Senate looking to guard young health

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois lawmakers cracked down on alcoholic energy drink labeling Thursday, while also advancing a ban on flavored cigarettes and prohibiting trans fat in school lunches.

Sen. Heather Steans, a Chicago Democrat, said she's compromised with beer distributors in creating stricter labeling requirements for alcoholic energy drinks. The proposal, which passed the Senate 54-0, is aimed at the alleged teenage marketing of increasingly popular alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine and other stimulants.

Regardless of the measure's fate in the House, Steans said beer companies have already been cooperating to create larger and clearer labeling on their cans.

"It actually has to have 'contains alcohol,' instead of just ABV (alcohol by volume)," Steans said. "They already have the design ready, but I'm not sure when it'll hit stores."

Lawmakers also voted 33-19 to rid trans fat from school lunch menus. This proposal does not include foods with natural trans fat, like meats or cheeses, only those with trans fats added or cooked into them.

"The whole concept deals with the wellness of our children," said Sen. Donne Trotter, a Chicago Democrat pushing the plan. He added for some of the state's poor children, school meals are their main sources of food each day.

Schools would be given two years to remove the trans fats from cafeteria foods and vending machines. The statewide costs are unknown for replacing the trans fat options with healthier -- and likely more expensive -- ingredients.

The Senate also approved 39-12 a ban on the sale or distribution of flavored cigarettes, as some lawmakers argue the products are geared toward teens. A similar proposal last year stalled after passing the Senate.

All measures now move on to the Illinois House for consideration later this spring.