Smoking ban to be debated

Publication Date: 2007-03-28

• Author:AP
• Publication:Fremont Tribune

Lawmakers were scheduled to light up debate on a statewide smoking ban Wednesday.

The Legislature earlier gave first-round approval to a bill (LB395) that would prohibit smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, with few exceptions. But a battle over changing the bill is expected before a second-round vote.

The bill as it now stands would allow local governments, such as city councils, to change or nix a ban imposed by the state.

Supporters of an all-out ban want to change it so that local voters can approve opting out of a ban, but not city councils and county boards.