Tobacco bill makes progress

Publication Date: 2016-03-19

• Author:Kelly Sullivan
• Publication:Peninsula Clarion

The bill that would ban smoking in the workplace is making progress in the Alaska Senate.

SB 1, or the "Take it Outside Act", sponsored by Sen. Peter Micchiche, R-Soldotna, has passed the Senate Finance Committee, and is headed to the floor for a vote. If passed this session, smoking and the use of e-cigarettes would be illegal in all public areas and any establishment with hired employees.

"The bill is strong and will provide protections to employees in many areas of the state currently not protected by such a law," said Emily Nenon, Alaska government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Once passed in the senate, the bill will move to the House, Nenon said. However, HB 328, sponsored by Rep. Dave Talerico, R-Healy, "Take it Outside's" companion legislation is sitting in the House, not yet having started the committee process, she said...