Governor Parkinson enacts statewide public smoking ban

"The journey of passing a statewide public smoking ban has been long and hard, but today we are able to cross the finish line knowing that we have built a better future for generations to come," Parkinson said. "With this legislation, our state takes the necessary steps to save Kansas lives by reducing cancer, tobacco-related diseases and teen smoking. I appreciate the vision of former-Senator Wysong, the bipartisan collaboration in the legislature and the continuous support of so many Kansans."

HB 2221 amends current law concerning cigarette or tobacco infractions and the taxation and unlawful use of cigarette and tobacco products. The bill bans smoking and makes the act of smoking in the following a cigarette or tobacco infraction: public places; taxicabs and limousines; common areas in public and private buildings, condominiums and other multiple-residential facilities; access points of all building and facilities unless exempted by the bill; and any place of employment.

The legislation makes it unlawful for any person who controls the use of the area where smoking is prohibited to fail to comply with any of the provisions set out in the bill or to allow smoking to occur where prohibited. It will also be unlawful for any person to smoke in an area where smoking is prohibited. The bill will take effect upon publication in the Kansas Statute Book.

This brings the total number of bills signed during the 2010 Legislative Session to eight.

The governor will also be holding ceremonial bill signings on Monday, March 15, in Kansas City and Salina. The Kansas City signing will be held at the University of Kansas' School of Nursing Atrium at 1:30 p.m. The Salina signing will be at the Salina-Saline County Health Agency at 3:30 p.m.

For more information on the governor's efforts to pass the Clean Indoor Air Act, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/issues-a-initiati....