A proposed statewide smoking ban at work and in public has sailed through a Kentucky House committee.
Supporters said the bill would protect nonsmokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. The measure was approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee on a 10-3 vote Thursday.
Committee Chairman Tom Burch says nonsmokers shouldn't have to suffer from being in the same place with smokers willing to endanger their own health.
Opponents include Republican Rep. Tim Moore. He says the bill would restrict personal freedom to use a legal product.
The measure drew bipartisan support. Republican Sen. Julie Denton says she hopes the spread of information about the risks of secondhand smoke will give the bill enough momentum to get through the General Assembly.
