Senate Takes Up Smoking Tuesday

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 6:29 AM

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - It could be a long day in the Indiana Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers take up a proposal to make Indiana a smoke-free state.

House Bill 1149 passed the House last month and last week earned the approval of the Senate Committee on Public Policy.

The Senate has killed smoking ban bills each of the past five years. However, legislative experts say the smoke-free law has as good a chance as any to pass the Senate this year.

A number of amendments are expected to be proposed when the bill is considered Tuesday. At least 20 amendments have already been filed by Senators.

In its current form, the bill includes exemptions for casinos, cigar bars, and veterans clubs. Bars would also be given 18 months before having to comply with the law, but other establishments would have to remove their ash trays by July 1, 2012.

Governor Mitch Daniels has indicated he would sign any anti-smoking legislation into law if it reaches his desk.

LINKS:

Smoking Ban Passes Senate Committee

House Passes Smoking Ban, 62-34

Bars Given 18 Months In Latest Smoking Ban Bill

Poll: 70% of Hoosiers Want Smoke Free Law