(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana State Rep. Eric Turner is pushing for a statewide smoking ban to make it illegal to light up at bars and other workplaces. 

The Republican from Cicero announced House Bill 1149 yesterday despite Democrats not being in the chamber for session. 

The House passed a smoking ban last year, only to have it die in the Senate.  Turner's bill is similar to last year’s proposal in that it includes exemptions for veterans clubs, existing cigar bars and casinos. 

A hearing on the bill is scheduled for Monday.

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Rep. Charlie Brown (D-Gary) had proposed a smoking ban bill in each of the past five years. He gave his support to Turner’s bill Thursday.

Legislative leaders have said they will push to have a statewide smoking ban enacted before Indianapolis hosts the Super Bowl on February 5, however, Democrats’ holdout on the first two days of the session this week have delayed all legislation.

LINKS:

Super Bowl Could Put Smoking Ban On Fast Track

Smoking Study Finds Little Economic Impact