Workplace smoking ban gutted, but supporters remain optimistic

By LUCAS L. JOHNSON II, Tennessean.com
Associated Press
May 16, 2007

Supporters of a smoking ban in Tennessee workplaces remain optimistic after a gutted version of the ban passed a Senate committee Tuesday.

The Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee voted 6-3 for a measure sponsored by Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville.

The original bill was similar to the one supported by Gov. Phil Bredesen to ban smoking in most workplaces, but it was amended Tuesday to apply only to buildings owned, leased or occupied by the state.

Smoking in state buildings is already banned.

"They gutted it, but we got it to the floor and maybe we can (amend) it once we get it to the floor," Tracy said of the amended bill.

The companion bill is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday in the House Agriculture Committee, which has traditionally voted against smoking bans or any legislation that might hurt tobacco interests.

Sen. Roy Herron, one of the lawmakers carrying Bredesen's bill, said he was still hopeful that a workplace smoking ban would pass this session.

"It's coughing a bit in the smoky haze, but it's still breathing," he said. "We're going to keep working. I know the governor is personally committed, and I am, too."

Bredesen spokeswoman Lydia Lenker said Tuesday that the governor is "very confident that at the end of the legislative session a strong smoke-free bill will emerge."

"Seventy percent of the public support this initiative, and more than half the members of both houses have signed on to this measure," she said.

Bredesen's proposal would ban smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces with two or more employees, including all restaurants and bars.

Tracy's original bill had exceptions for venues that restrict access to persons who are 21 years of age or older, cigar bars and private clubs.

Sen. Paul Stanley, R-Germantown, proposed the amendment that weakened Tracy's legislation, but he said he did that mainly to help it pass. "I think a significant number of Tennesseans want to see some type of smoking ban," Stanley said.

Sen. Mae Beavers, who voted against Tracy's and Ketron's bills, said businesses should decide how they want to regulate smoking.

"I'm not down here to make decisions for businesses, said Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet. "I think they should make their own."

Read the full texts of SB1325, SB2255 and SB0915 on the General Assembly's Web site at: www.legislature.state.tn.us.