If you smoke, this is what your lung
could look like.
Indiana General Assembly
passes country’s strictest anti-smoking law
By Glen Couples, THG News
To the dismay of Indiana’s smokers,
the state legislature passed a law Friday that bans smoking in all public
areas. This law is designed to protect the rights of citizens who do want to be
exposed to deadly second-hand smoke, which has been proven to be a leading cause
of cancer and respiratory illness.
The General Assembly passed Bill 691
through the Senate Friday afternoon by a vote of 27-23. The bill had narrowly
made it through the Indiana House in May, and will become law effective August
1.
Under Bill 691, the only place a
person is allowed to smoke is in the privacy of their own home or in their
vehicle if the windows are rolled up. Smoking will no longer be allowed in
bars, restaurants, and offices, as well as any outdoor areas. Anyone caught
smoking in a forbidden area will be fined up to $1,000.
Once the law takes effect, Indiana
will have the strictest anti-smoking regulations in the United States.
Rep. Pete Dennison (D-46th
District), who proposed the bill, says that the passing of Bill 691 is an
important step for Indiana to become a healthier and cleaner state. “Not only
will this single piece of legislation save our citizens millions of dollars in
health costs each year, it will make our air cleaner, our breath fresher, and
teeth less yellow. I believe many other states will soon follow in our
footsteps.”
Many senators and representatives who
voted against the smoking ban anticipate a widespread political backlash from
this historic precedent. Over 27% of Hoosiers smoke, making it the fifth
smokiest state per capita in the Union. “That is a lot of votes,” said Sen.
Kent Kelley (R-21st District).
