Protect Local Control

Ensuring Community Rights
To Pass Smokefree Ordinances
 

State Status

No Preemption

News Summary

Senate passes cigarette smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-03-15
  • Author:Dan Gearino
  • Publication:Quad City Times

The Iowa Senate voted Wednesday to give cities and counties the power to pass local smoking bans, a bill that backers say is true to the state’s tradition of local control.

“This is a matter of whether we trust our local officials to do what is right,� said the lead sponsor, Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames.

The 30-20 vote followed nearly two hours of debate, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans against. Senators amended the bill to shield fraternal groups — such as the American Legion and VFW — from local smoking bans, while rejecting amendments that would have shielded casinos and bars.

The bill is in response to a 2003 Iowa Supreme Court ruling that said local governments don’t have the power to pass smoking restrictions. The ruling invalidated local bans in Iowa City and Ames. Quirmbach was on the Ames City Council when it passed its ban.

Copyright 2019 Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights | All Rights ReservedPrivacy Policy