Support reignited for statewide smoking ban in Texas

Publication Date: 2013-01-12

• Author:Vicky Garza, Austin Business Journal
• Publication:Dallas (TX) Business Journal

The possibility of banning smoking in public workplaces across Texas has been relit this legislative session by anti-smoking groups that believe they have built enough momentum over the past three sessions to finally get a bill passed.

Meanwhile, the smoking ban bill — expected to result in millions of dollars in Medicaid savings for the state — comes at a time when many arms of government are facing budgetary challenges.

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, filed Senate Bill 86 in November, which sets the minimum standards for a smoking ban in indoor public places...