Smaller anti-smoking bills on hold as statewide restrictions advance

Publication Date: 2008-02-06

• Author:JASON CLAYWORTH
• Publication:Des Moines (IA) Register

As Iowa lawmakers debate a broad, statewide ban on smoking in most public places, proposals for more limited tobacco restrictions have been put on hold.

Two Iowa House committees suspended debate today on anti-smoking bills. One proposal, House File 754, would prohibit tobacco use in all school buildings or facilities, including leased property, athletic fields and parking lots. Another proposal, House File 2067, would allow city and county governments decide where smoking should be banned.

Lawmakers on Tuesday moved forward with a stronger proposal that would ban smoking in almost all public places in Iowa, including schools. That bill, House Study Bill 537, passed the House Commerce Committee and is eligible for debate by the House.