Kan. House panel to vote on smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-03-18

• Publication:www.wibw.com

A Kansas House committee is likely to vote Wednesday on a bill banning smoking in most public places statewide.

But Chairwoman Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, says she doesn't know whether the Health and Human Services Committee will endorse the measure.

Public health advocates say the measure will protect Kansans from secondhand smoke. Landwehr has said she believes the issue is best left to cities and counties.

The Senate approved the bill last month. It prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, workplaces and government buildings.

But it contains exemptions, including private homes, personal vehicles, tobacco shops, private clubs and gambling areas in casinos.