(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A bill to ban smoking in all public areas in Indiana got a bit watered down by the state House Monday.

Lawmakers amended House Bill 1018 to exempt bars that cater to only those over the age of 21, nursing homes and fraternal clubs such as VFW halls. Casinos had already been exempted by a change enacted by a committee last week.

Rep. Charlie Brown (D-Gary) is sponsoring the bill and says he expects it will pass the House and get a Senate hearing.

Brown says he's hopeful the Senate will reverse some of the changes made by the House. 

Indiana House District 68 Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) wrote on Twitter during the House discussion Monday that the smoking ban bill is likely to be voted on soon.

LINKS:

Smoking Ban Moving Quickly Through Legislature