Anti-smoking bills snuffed in ag committees

Publication Date: 2008-04-23

• Author:Lucas Johnson II
• Publication:Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN

A proposal that would prohibit smoking within 25 yards of a hospital was among several that failed in House Agriculture committees and are likely dead for the session.

The measure sponsored by Rep. Johnny Shaw, a Bolivar Democrat, failed 9-6 in the Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, while the others either failed or were taken off notice in an earlier subcommittee.

The companion to Shaw's measure failed in the Senate earlier this month, even though Shaw said it would have been reconsidered had the measure passed committee.

Opponents of the legislation say it's not necessary because hospitals can currently set such bans without a statewide mandate.