Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas House today approved a statewide smoking ban, paving the way for the bill to become law. The bill would ban smoking in restaurants, bars and most other businesses.
It has already passed in the Senate. On the House floor, Mission Hills Republican Barbra Bollier said it's an issue of health.
"While we continue to debate and debate, people are dying," said Bollier. "People are becoming ill. They are asking you to help them."
Opponents have said smoking bans should be left to local governments. They have also criticized the bill because it exempts state-owned casinos, but not other businesses.
The bill now goes before Governor Mark Parkinson, who has called for a statewide smoking ban.
