Passidomo: Allow Cities, Counties to Stub Out Smoking in Public

Submitted by Anonymous on October 23, 2011 - 8:22pm

State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, has again filed legislation that could expand where people are prohibited from smoking

HB 143, which failed to be heard in the 2011 legislative session, would amend the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act to allow municipalities and counties to restrict smoking in public areas, including beaches, within their jurisdiction.

According to the Naples Daily News, Passidomo anticipates some challenges to the bill when the Legislature convenes in January, particularly from those who believe smoking regulations could seep onto private property that is open to the public.

"That was the perception," Passidomo told the Daily News. "I don't think it would happen."

No Senate companion bill has been filed.

Reps. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, Jimmy Smith, R-Inverness, and Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, have co-sponsored the legislation.

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