Kansas House To Vote On Smoking Ban

Supporters of a ban on smoking in Kansas bars, restaurants and other public places are hoping to end the legislative debate quickly.

Kansas House leaders expect a vote that would determine whether a bill imposing a statewide ban would go to Gov. Mark Parkinson.

The governor supports the measure, which passed the Senate last year. More than three dozen communities also have passed smoking rules.

The bill would ban smoking in restaurants, bars and other businesses. Smoking would still be permitted in tobacco shops, private clubs and the gambling floors of state-owned casinos.

Critics have argued such rules should be left for local governments. But public health advocates say the measure will protect Kansans from secondhand smoke.