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Local control-of-smoking bill to get hearing in Oklahoma Legislature

The measure, after being bottled up by a Senate committee chairman this session, has been reassigned to another committee and is to get a hearing Monday.

By Michael McNutt | Published: February 16, 2013 Comment on this article

“Gov. Fallin is pleased Senate Bill 36 is scheduled for a committee hearing next week,” Aaron Cooper, Fallin's press secretary, said Friday. “The governor's office will continue to work with legislators to answer any questions they may have and to ensure the bill moves through the legislative process.”

Fallin feels this is an important piece of legislation for the state that will improve the overall health of Oklahoma, he said.

Oklahoma ranks 47th in the nation in the prevalence of smoking. About 26 percent of adults in Oklahoma smoke. The state also has high rates of heart disease and stroke, which health officials have said is more common with people who smoke.

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association opposes the bill, saying it would be unfair to businesses.

Oklahoma and Tennessee are the only two states that prohibit local communities from establishing tobacco laws that are stricter than those of the state.

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