Bill would let cities opt out of smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-01-21

• Publication:Grand Island Independent, NE

Nebraskans could vote to allow smoking in restaurants and bars in their cities or counties despite a statewide smoking ban, under a bill state lawmakers will consider.

Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber introduced a bill (LB611) Wednesday to let cities and villages opt out of the statewide smoking ban passed by lawmakers last year. The law goes into effect in June.

A city council or county board could vote to put the issue on the ballot, or voters could get it on the ballot by petition.

Lawmakers last year considered an opt-out clause but rejected the idea.