Nebraska Legislature passes statewide smoking ban

[Attero Dominatus]

Published Friday  |  February 22, 2008
Nebraska Legislature passes statewide smoking ban
BY MARTHA STODDARD
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN — The Legislature today cleared the air in all public buildings and workplaces across the state.

Voting 34-14, lawmakers passed Legislative Bill 395 after cutting off a last-minute filibuster by the bill's opponents.

Introduced by State Sen. Joel Johnson of Kearney, LB 395 is modeled after Lincoln's smoking ban.

If signed into law by Gov. Dave Heineman, it would prohibit smoking in all public buildings and workplaces statewide, including bars and restaurants.

It would make exceptions only for tobacco shops, some hotel rooms and laboratories used for research on smoking. Private homes used for businesses would not be covered unless they were used as a licensed child care facility.

The ban would take effect June 1, 2009.

Heineman's spokeswoman, Jen Rae Hein, said the governor plans to review the bill before deciding whether to sign it. She said he would weigh the health benefits of going smoke-free against questions about the reach of government.

"Obviously, this is a very important issue for Nebraskans. On the other hand, how much does government dictate to one what they do?" she said.

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