House Committee Considers Kansas Smoking Ban

Publication Date: 2009-03-10

• Publication:WIBW

The House Health and Human Services Committee has started hearings on a bill to ban smoking in most public places in Kansas, including bars and restaurants.

The bill passed the Senate last month. It includes several exemptions, including private clubs and the gambling floor of state-owned casinos.

Supporters testified Tuesday that the bill would reduce the amount of exposure to secondhand smoke. Opponents are scheduled to testify Wednesday.

Committee Chairwoman Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, said the panel will decide next week whether to endorse the bill. But Landwehr said she thinks smoking bans are best left to local governments.

At least 23 states require most public places and workplaces to be smoke-free.