Bill To Strengthen Smoke Free Air Act Passes Louisiana House Committee

A House committee unanimously passes a bill that would strengthen the current Smoke Free Air Act. Representative Frank Hoffman's legislation had no problems going through the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee.

The legislation would cut down on exposure to tobacco smoke for people entering and leaving state buildings. Hoffman's measure would also make areas around wheelchair ramps and ventilation systems off limits.

Louisiana prohibits smoking in restaurants, public places, public buildings and many places of employment. Rep. Hoffman's bill would force smokers to move at least 25 feet from doorways and windows of building and would also ban smoking at other key access points. It wouldn't apply to places like casinos, bars and private residences, which are exempt from the state's smoking ban.

Hoffman, himself being a former smoker, says he believes there is no such thing as a safe level of exposure.

The measure now moves on to the Louisiana House floor for consideration.