Friday, May 4, 2012
The Kansas House has ducked a debate on loosening the state's restrictions on smoking in public places.
The House voted 62-49 on Friday to send the smoking measure to its Health and Human Services Committee rather than debate it. The bill would create an exception to a statewide ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places for businesses catering only to adults 21 or older.
Rep. Bill Otto, a LeRoy Republican, said he returned the bill to committee even though he supports it partly because the Senate
isn't likely to approve it this year.
Public health advocates pushed for the 2010 law, but critics contend it has hurt businesses and that restrictions should be left to cities and counties.
