Senate Tries Again To Ban Smoking

Senators have sent the House a second bill that contains a ban on smoking in most public places across Kansas.

The 25-15 vote Tuesday sends the language, inserted in a bill regulating the sale of tobacco products, back to the House for consideration.

It marked the second time since February that senators have approved the smoking ban. A bill approved in February was tabled by a House committee and not likely to be debated this year.

The second attempt forces the House to consider the changes to its bill. If the smoking ban language is accepted, the bill goes to the governor. If not, it would go to a conference committee of House and Senate negotiators to resolve.

Supporters have touted the bill as health care reform.