NC Senate panel to consider government smoking bans

Publication Date: 2008-06-11

• Publication:BlueRidgeNow.com, NC

A Senate committee is scheduled to consider proposals designed to protect government employees and the public from second-hand smoke.

The Senate Health Care Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss three anti-smoking measures.

One of the plans would create a 50-foot no-smoking zone around all state government buildings, including museums. Another plan would forbid people from lighting up in state-owned vehicles.

The third bill would give community colleges the power to vote themselves smoke-free.

The House Health Care committee approved identical plans Tuesday. The bills need the approval of both chambers before they can go to Gov. Mike Easley for consideration.