Wednesday, January 14, 2009 , Updated
Texas Legislature considering implementing statewide smoking ban
AUSTIN — The newly-convened Texas Legislature is once again in the news, as State Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Denton), has filed a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in businesses statewide. The ban would include bars and restaurants.
Photo not provided by the Texas Legislature
Smoke 'em while you got 'em, Texas
According to HB 5, filed last week, any business that has at least one employee would be subject to the ban. If the bill becomes law, violators would be charged with a Class-C misdemeanor and fined up to $500. Crownover had filed a similar bill in 2007, but the measure died in the Senate.
Austin, Dallas and a handful of other cities around the state already have no smoking ordinances. But the new bill would codify anti-smoking regulations across the entire state of Texas.
Worried smokers can view the text of the bill here
State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston reportedly plans to file a similar bill in the Senate.
Posted by Todd M.
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generalsn, says:
Myra and Rodney need a lesson about "public property" by being 86ed from every bar, restaurant, and vets club in the state.
Anonymous
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
momzilla, says:
Seems to be at odds with the plan to pay for the child health care plan with tobacco taxes.
Anonymous
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
Hey, if kids aren't allowed to be near smoke when out on the town, the rate of juvenile lung cancer will drop! No need to treat 'em!
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Scott Doyle, says:
Can't wait!
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Tracy Yost, says:
I hope they pass it and that it goes into effect the same day the Dallas ban does.
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Scott Doyle, says:
Speaking of, are y'all having one hell of a shindig at Pearl on April 9th? Can I come smoke a cigar at 11:45 and cheer at midnight?
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
James Scott, says:
i guess if anything, it would help level the playing field for Dallas bars and their competitors from neighboring cities.
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
jtmbls, says:
And to think it all began with taxing cigarettes…Hope everyone maintains their sunny dispositions when they can no longer afford a hamburger or steak. We should be grateful, after all, for our government imposed good health.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28070487/
Anonymous
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
jtmbls - but think of the miraculous advances in artificial flavoring technology we'll achieve! Mmm, dole yeast...
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
jtmbls, says:
What...No cow farting jokes? I expected more of you Pavel.
Anonymous
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
Cow farts are serious business. :|
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice, says:
That's why you should eat Kangaroos... or at least things made to fart like kangaroos
Ain't science amazing.
Verified
10 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
deathbySHS, says:
In addition to more than 4000 deadly toxins, second-hand smoke also contains saliva, mucous, lymphatic fluids, and blood of the smoker. Added to that are the billions of bacteria, virus, fungus, and other parasites which receive a "taxi ride" on the sticky smoke particle from the smokers' lungs to the non-smokers' lungs. When a person eats or drinks in a room where even one person is smoking, their food and drink is even contaminated by the fact that, in addition to entering their lungs, these toxin and microbe-laden particles settle on to their food and drink, dinnerware, glass, and silverware. It is rather like the smoker coming by and, after hacking up a loogie, spitting it on the food of every diner in the room. Some eating establishments have tried to minimize this problem by separating diners into smokers and non-smokers sections. This makes about as much sense as designating "Peeing" and "Non-Peeing" sections of a swimming pool. WHO WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A SWIM EVEN IN THE NON-PEEING SECTION. One does not even have to be in close proximity to the smoker to experience these health effects. According to the CDC, even if you can't smell the smoke or see it, it is harming you if you breathe it.
Anonymous
10 months, 1 week agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin, says:
Cigarette smoke contains 4000 distinct chemicals? I'm not as scientist, but that seems rather high. And as far as random saliva, mucus, and other fluids & bacteria, if you've ever used a public restroom, you're probably in more danger.
And hey, a peeing section might appeal to some people. After all, you get to pee, too.
Verified
10 months, 1 week agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
alexander troup, says:
Tobacco probition is on its way, while global warming is on its ways also, try breathing on a freeway...A/T, Smoke,smoke that cigarette.
Verified
10 months, 1 week agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal