Smoking Ban Passes Senate Committee

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:29 AM

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A proposal to make Indiana the nation’s 30th smokefree state is getting closer to passage.

On Wednesday, the public smoking ban bill earned 8-2 approval from the Senate Committee on Public Policy, the same committee which had killed similar legislation each of the past five years.

The legislation which had passed the House on February 1 now goes to the full Senate.

The anti-smoking legislation would prohibit cigarettes in most public places, with exemptions for casinos, cigar bars, on-profit private clubs, and fraternal organizations. An amendment made to the bill would also give bars across the state 18 months to comply with the law.

Bar owners testified before the committee, saying they fear they'll lose business if smoking is banned. Others say they believe the ban is government going too far to take away personal freedom.

Governor Mitch Daniels has said he would sign any anti-smoking legislation that reaches his desk.

LINKS:

House Passes Smoking Ban, 62-34

Bars Given 18 Months In Latest Smoking Ban Bill

Poll: 70% of Hoosiers Want Smoke Free Law

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