The sponsor of statewide smoke-free legislation in the Kentucky Senate says the bill is likely dead for this session.
Despite clearing the House for the first time ever, the legislation stalled in the Senate after being assigned to the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee – less friendly territory than the Health and Welfare panel.
"I was confident about the votes it had in Health and Welfare, not so confident about the votes on the committee of jurisdiction right now. And so I'm not getting my hopes up, let's put it that way," Sen. Julie Raque Adams says.
While House Bill 145 would prohibit smoking in workplaces and indoor public places, the lower chamber tacked on several exemptions for private clubs, cigar bars, and communities that have already passed smoking bans.
"Some people who are for smoke-free wanted a clean bill. Some people needed amendments in order to feel more comfortable," the Louisville Republican explains. "And so I think that as we move forward that it's a good thing knowing where all the different constituencies are, but it's still going to take some more time."
Smoke-free advocates have charged Senate leadership with “thwarting democracy” by not moving forward with a floor vote, but opponents maintain support just isn’t there to pass the bill, as a number of Senate Republicans remain hesitant about placing another round of restrictions on private businesses.
Still, Sen. Raque Adams says she remains undaunted by the pace of progress and will continue to advocate for the legislation in 2016.
