Smoking; localities to ban in designated public parks, etc. (SB1253)
Introduced By
Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
✓ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Smoking in certain public areas. Allows localities to ban smoking in designated public parks, public beaches, and similar outdoor public areas. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/09/2013 | Presented and ordered printed |
| 01/09/2013 | Presented and ordered printed 13102254D |
| 01/09/2013 | Referred to Committee on Local Government |
| 01/29/2013 | Reported from Local Government (11-Y 4-N) (see vote tally) |
| 01/31/2013 | Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N) (see vote tally) |
| 02/01/2013 | Read second time and engrossed |
| 02/04/2013 | Read third time and passed Senate (26-Y 14-N) (see vote tally) |
| 02/06/2013 | Placed on Calendar |
| 02/06/2013 | Read first time |
| 02/06/2013 | Referred to Committee on General Laws |
| 02/18/2013 | Left in General Laws |
Comments
I believe smokers should be reimbursed for taxes they paid in over the last 10yrs. After all it's our money that supports public parks, beaches and similar outdoor areas. Where do you come up with such idiotic bills?
Communities should be able to protect their valued public outdoor spaces from smoking for several reasons.
Cigarette butts are the most littered item found in litter surveys. Cigarette butts are made of non-biodegradable plastic, and once used are full of chemicals that are toxic to fish and wildlife.
Cigarette butt litter is dangerous, unsightly, and does not belong in the environment.
Non-smokers do not like to be exposed to smoking fumes or to have their children exposed to the habit; a clean, smoke-free place to enjoy the out-of-doors is preferred by most citizens.
Smoke-free policies are extremely effective in reducing cigarette-related litter as well as unwanted exposure to smoking.
Let's allow communities to decide for themselves what policies on smoking best serve their interests.