Smoking ban goes to Easley

A bill on its way to Gov. Mike Easley's desk would ban smoking in state buildings.

The state House approved the ban overwhelmingly Thursday, and the state Senate already had.

The legislation would prohibit smoking in all buildings owned or leased by state government. The one exception is seven UNC-system campuses where students have already signed contracts to live in dorms where smoking is allowed. In those dorms, smoking will be allowed through the spring 2008 semester.

Advocates say the ban is good for residents and state employees alike and will eventually save the state money.

"There's a strong feeling that there's a connection between clean air and public health," said state Rep. Jennifer Weiss, a Wake Democrat, one of the bill's two primary sponsors. "The fact that we cover health insurance for state employees, it just makes good sense."

Medical care for state employees and their dependents for issues related to secondhand smoke costs the state $32 million each year, said Chuck Stone, director of North Carolinians for Affordable Health Care, a branch of the State Employees Association of North Carolina. Stone thinks the smoking ban will help keep the state health plan affordable and may spur some employees to quit smoking.

Under the legislation adopted Thursday, smokers will have no designated lounges in state buildings. Smoking will be allowed in state buildings in scientific or medical research.

The House bill passed 110-3. Reps. George Cleveland, Bryan Holloway and Linda P. Johnson voted against it. None could be reached Thursday.

Another bill this session to ban smoking in restaurants and public places failed.