Statewide smoking ban possible

Publication Date: 2011-01-03

• Author:Elizabeth Crisp
• Publication:Jackson Clarion Ledger

For the first time, some form of a statewide smoking ban actually may have a chance - thanks in part to a multimillion-dollar initiative that's gaining support across the state.

State Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, has filed a version of a smoking ban bill for several years to no avail, but he said he's seen the added boost for this year.

"I think if there's any year we might be able to get something on the floor, this is the year," Mayo said.

The Smokefree Air Mississippi initiative is being funded by a $2.9 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the first organized push for such a ban here.

House Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Steve Holland said he will consider bringing the bill up in committee. Holland, D-Plantersville, previously had blocked similar bills from making it to the House floor.

"If Steve allows it out of his committee, it has a really good chance of passing," Mayo said.