DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A bill has been introduced in the Iowa Legislature that would force casinos to comply with the state’s smoking ban.
Casino floors in Iowa are now exempt from following a 2008 law that prohibits smoking in public places. A bill sponsored by Sen. Herman Quirmbach, of Ames, would eliminate that exemption.
Quirmbach said Tuesday there is broad public support for such a change. Democratic Rep. Lisa Heddens, of Ames, says she plans to introduce a similar bill with bipartisan support.
Rep. Guy Vander Linden, a Republican from Oskaloosa, says the bill may have some support, but it will face strong opposition from the casino industry.
A spokesman for Republican Gov. Terry Branstad says the governor favors such a measure and would sign it into law.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
