Iowa smoking ban legislation would not apply to nursing homes
A sweeping statewide smoking ban passed the Iowa Senate Wednesdaynight, but whether it becomes law depends on House Democrats’ abilityto drum up the votes for it. After the 29-21 vote, there wasjubilation among Senate Democrats who have been fighting hard toprohibit smoking in all enclosed places of employment, including
restaurants, bars and casinos. During an eight-hour shift, she said, a worker in a smoky casino inhales the equivalent of 16 cigarettes.”Asour surrounding states pass legislation creating smoke-freeenvironments in all public places and areas of work, we as Iowanscannot neglect the opportunity to protect the health of every citizenin our own state,” she told lawmakers.
Nebraska, Minnesota andIllinois already have statewide smoke-free laws. Wisconsin and SouthDakota are struggling to reach compromises. The bill the Senatepassed on would ban smoking in state veterans facilities, privateveterans organizations, outdoor entertainment venues such asamphitheaters and tennis courts, taxicabs, homes that serve as childcare centers, and other places.
Iowans would still be able tosmoke in most places outdoors, and inside private homes, some hotelrooms, tobacco stores, semiprivate rooms in long-term-care facilities,some areas of the Iowa State Fair, farm machinery and most limousineservices.
Source/more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS10/802280394/1001/NEWS