Lawmaker Hopeful Smoking Ban Will Go Into Effect

Publication Date: 2009-07-03

• Author:Cherlene Richards
• Publication:KELOLAND TV

Posts A South Dakota lawmaker who successfully pushed for a statewide smoking ban is optimistic about the latest developments. Late Thursday afternoon, ban supporters filed paperwork challenging opponent petitions to get the issue to a statewide vote.

Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson was one of the lawmakers who introduced the ban. He's hopeful it'll go into effect.

"I think the detailed nature of the affidavit that they filed certainly indicates that the vast likelihood is that there are not enough valid signatures to actual refer the smoking ban," Sioux Falls Republican State Senator Dave Knudson said.

Over the next few weeks, the Secretary of State's office will start reviewing the nearly 10,000 challenged signatures.

In the meantime, petition organizers and smoking ban supporters also have several legal options to challenge the petition in court.