Iowa’s public smoking ban took effect on July 1, 2008 but was implemented with an expedited rules process.   The formal rules process is now underway and Iowans are encouraged to participate in the public hearings or provide written comments at www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov.  The public comment period ends on September 30.

House File 2212 has some exemptions to the smoking ban, including fairgrounds, the Iowa Veterans Home, National Guard facilities, correctional facilities, farm tractors or trucks, and outdoor areas, like bar patios.

The bill, which was managed by State Representative Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Chaired in the House by State Representative Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids), the compromise includes a statewide ban on smoking in with the following exemptions: private clubs, casino floors, fairgrounds, private homes, private vehicles, tractors or hotels.

House Speaker Pat Murphy appointed the following House members to the Conference Committee: Rep. Janet Petersen of Des Moines, Rep. Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, Rep. Mike Reasoner of Creston, Rep. Cecil Dolecheck of Ringgold and Rep. Chuck Soderberg of Le Mars.

A copy of the amendment summary is availabe here. 

FIRST MEETING: 10 am on Thursday, March 20 in Supreme Court Chamber

“Second hand smoke kills 440 non-smokers in Iowa every year and another 4,000 Iowans die each year from smoking-related illnesses. The bill approved today will save lives and protect 99% of Iowans in the work place and public places,” said State Representative Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who managed the bill in the House.

The bill, House File 2212, creates smoke-free areas in public places such as workplaces, outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, bars and restaurants, public transit stations and within 10 feet of school grounds. Private residences are not required to be smoke-free. According the American Cancer Society, second smoke contains 63 chemicals that cause cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases.

“We know that workers in the hospitality industry, including my sister, have a 50% greater chance of dying from lung cancer than the general population. These hard-working Iowans do not get to decide if their workplace is smoke free and they should not have to put their health in jeopardy to provide for their families,” said State Representative Elesha Gayman, D-Davenport.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

“Second hand smoke contains 60 chemicals that cause cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases,” said State Representative Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who managed the bill in committee. “There is no risk-free second hand smoke exposure for Iowans or workers. This creation of smoke-free places will protect Iowans in 99% of public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants.”

House Study Bill 537, creates smoke-free areas in public places such as workplaces, outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, bars and restaurants, public transit stations and within 50 feet of school grounds. Private residences are not required to be smoke-free.

“Food service workers have a 50% greater chance of dying from lung cancer than the general population,” said State Representative Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, and chair of the House Commerce Committee. “This is about protecting the health of Iowans visiting public places and workers who often don’t have a choice where to work.”