Smoking Ban Tabled

AP) – A bill to impose a statewide smoking ban appears to be on the sidelines for the rest of the 2009 Kansas legislative session.

The House Health and Human Services Committee took less than five minutes Wednesday to vote to table the issue until it receives more information. However, because Friday is the last day for committees to meet this year, it is unlikely the panel will take up the measure again.

The bill would ban smoking in most public places. It also prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, workplaces and government buildings, and within 10 feet of any doorway, open window or air intake of any place where smoking is banned.

Senators passed the bill 26-13 earlier in the session.