Smoking ban is model for state proposal

Publication Date: 2005-03-01

• Author:Chad Lawhorn
• Publication:Lawrence (KS) Journal-World

A powerful state legislator is using Lawrence as his model for a bill that would ban smoking in workplaces across Kansas.

Rep. John Edmonds, R-Great Bend, introduced the bill, HB 2495, last week after reading about the Lawrence law, which took effect in July and prohibits smoking in essentially all indoor workplaces -- including bars and restaurants. His bill would go a step further and ban smoking in outdoor dining areas as well.

"I'm kind of intrigued about it, to tell you the truth," Edmonds said. "I know people are concerned about their rights. ... I believe that you have a right to smoke, but you don't have a right to make me smoke."