A victory for smokers, compromise for schools

Publication Date: 2005-03-06

• Author:TERRY WOSTER
• Publication:Sioux Falls (SD) Argus-Leader

The 2005 Legislature was unkind to an anti-smoking coalition called the South Dakota Tobacco-Free Kids Network.

The group, which spearheaded a 2002 law that banned smoking in all public places except video-lottery casinos, bars and restaurants with liquor licenses and motel rooms, tried to close those loopholes this year. They got a bill out of committee, but it died with almost no debate on the House floor.

Two tax bills failed quickly, as did a move to give local governments control over tobacco regulations. On the day before adjournment, a move to restore $750,000 in Department of Health funding for tobacco prevention programs died in the Joint Appropriations Committee.