Gov. Mary Fallin's support may make difference with smoke-free bill

Publication Date: 2013-02-12

• Author:The Oklahoman Editorial
• Publication:NewsOK.com

Gov. Mary Fallin used a piece of her State of the State speech to say she supports letting cities and towns craft their own anti-smoking laws. “If a community wants to take action to improve the health of their citizens, let's let them do it,” she said.

Fallin's backing may help get this effort across the finish line. State Health Commissioner Terry Cline has been trying for years to sway the Legislature, which has rebuffed him for one reason or another...

The Senate should give the bill every consideration. It doesn't let cities dictate where and how tobacco is marketed, sold or taxed. It's intended to give municipalities the discretion to make public places, such as restaurants and bars, smoke free if they choose...