State Status
Any Preemption
Pending Legislation
News Summary
Lawmakers to debate smoking ban in bars
Publication Date: 2007-06-12
- Author:David Eggert
- Publication:The Detroit News
The mother and son from Ferndale want smoking to be banned in Michigan restaurants, bars and workplaces. And today, they will get their chance to speak directly with state lawmakers, who have scheduled a rare hearing on legislation that would do just that.
The House Commerce Committee will hear testimony on a bill that would prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants.
Similar bills proposed in the last seven years got just one hearing -- in 2004 -- and never received a vote when the Legislature was controlled by Republicans. But now Democrats lead the House, bringing hope to health groups and other supporters of a statewide smoking ban.
The committee hearing will start at 9 a.m. in Room 519 of the Anderson House Office Building. It was not known whether the panel would vote on the legislation or wait until a later date.