Full Senate Takes up Smoking Ban

Publication Date: 2006-06-15

• Author:Associated Press
• Publication:WTVD-TV Raleigh/Durham

The state Senate wants to stamp out smoking in General Assembly buildings in Raleigh. A Senate committee approved a ban yesterday, and the bill goes to the full chamber today, where it's expected to pass.

Senate and House members have both outlawed smoking within their chambers over the past three years, but a handful of legislators and observers are still allowed to enjoy a smoke in other corridors and rooms.

The bill's sponsor says everyone who comes to legislative buildings -- not just lawmakers -- deserves protection from second-hand smoke.