This bill prohibits smoking, including the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, on all premises of Veterans Health Administration facilities.
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
This bill amends federal law to implement a comprehensive ban on smoking and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems on the premises of all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. The prohibition covers both indoor spaces and outdoor grounds under VHA control. This measure aims to create entirely smoke-free environments for veterans receiving care.
VHA Facilities Go 100% Smoke-Free: Ban Includes Vaping, Affects All VA Grounds
This bill is short, sweet, and to the point: it completely bans smoking on the premises of any facility operated by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This isn't just about indoor air quality; the ban extends to all VHA grounds and buildings, making the entire property smoke-free.
The New Definition of 'Smoking'
If you're a veteran or a VHA employee, the biggest change here is how broadly the bill defines what counts as 'smoking' (Sec. 1). It covers the traditional stuff—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, anything that burns tobacco. But crucially, it explicitly includes electronic nicotine delivery systems—that means your vape pen, e-cigarette, or e-cigar is now banned right alongside a traditional cigarette on VHA property. If you use nicotine, you’ll need to leave the grounds entirely to use it.
Why the Total Ban Matters
For most people using or working at VHA facilities, this is a clear win for public health. You won't have to walk through clouds of smoke—or vape mist—near facility entrances or in parking lots. The goal is to create a consistently healthy environment, which makes sense for a healthcare system. For VHA staff, this simplifies enforcement: the rule is now zero tolerance, everywhere on site.
However, for veterans or employees who smoke, this is a significant inconvenience. If you’re undergoing treatment or working a long shift, stepping off the property entirely for a smoke break requires extra time and effort. While the VHA often provides smoking cessation resources, the immediate impact is a loss of convenience for those still using tobacco or vaping products. This bill is essentially forcing the issue of a clean-air environment across the board.
Cleaning Up the Law Books
The bill also handles some necessary housekeeping (Sec. 1). It gets rid of Section 526 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992. That older law was less comprehensive, and since this new bill implements a full, modern ban (including vaping), the old one is obsolete. This kind of cleanup is standard when new legislation fully replaces an outdated rule, ensuring there aren't conflicting policies floating around.