Panel passes on smoking amendment

Erin Neff

Thursday, May 8, 2003 | 11:17 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- An Assembly panel Wednesday snuffed out a proposed amendment to a tobacco bill that would have banned smoking in restaurants.

The panel unanimously approved Senate Bill 50 as it came over from the Senate, clearing the way for what anti-smoking lobbyists called the "weakest" proposal of any considered by 37 states this year.

SB50 states that local school districts may impose more stringent regulations about tobacco use than the state's laws.

While smoking is forbidden by students on campus, teachers and other district workers are currently allowed to smoke. Agustin Orci, deputy superintendent of instruction, said the pending legislation would make employee behavior consistent with what's taught in the classroom.

"We tell our students in health class of the harms that come from using tobacco, along with the dangers of other addictive substances such as alcohol and drugs," Orci said. "For us to teach them that and then do nothing when their teachers light up is hypocritical."

Health advocates, led by Clark County Health District lobbyist Helen Foley, asked the committee to consider including in the bill child care facilities, video arcades, the eating areas of restaurants that aren't in casinos and in public buildings and within 20 feet of the entrance to public buildings.

"We took out anything (from consideration) that would have an economic impact. We aren't talking about anywhere with slots," Foley said. "They can just smoke until they kill themselves."

Two advisory ballot questions in Clark County passed in November endorsing stricter local regulations on smoking in public places where children under 21 are served.

Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, who owns a restaurant that is not in a casino, said he could not support the amendment because it would impose new regulations on non-casino restaurants while leaving casino restaurants unencumbered and that would give casino restaurants and unfair advantage.

Assemblywoman Sharron Angle then moved to pass SB50 as it came over from the Senate. That motion passed unanimously with Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, and John Oceguera, D-North Las Vegas, absent. Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, abstained due to her work with tobacco companies.

SB50 now goes to the full Assembly for consideration.