COSTA LAUDS SMOKING BAN, PROMISES ALLEGHENY CO. LEGISLATION

HARRISBURG, June 10, 2008 - - The state Senate today adopted a conference committee report creating a comprehensive statewide smoking ban by a 41-9 vote, according to State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).

The state House of Representatives passed the same last week and the bill now goes to Gov. Ed Rendell for enactment.

“The passage of this smoking ban is long overdue in Pennsylvania,” Costa said. “While I am still hopeful we can improve on this measure, I think it is important to note that today we have taken a significant step towards protecting public health.”

Costa said he would soon introduce legislation that would allow Allegheny County and Scranton to re-enact their tougher smoking bans. He added that Senate Republican leaders assured him the bill would be seriously considered.

The Senate Democratic caucus led a strong campaign last week to hold up passage of the bill until Scranton and Allegheny County, which have stronger local smoking ordinances, received the same local preemption as Philadelphia.

Costa said that the statewide ban will go into effect 90 days after Governor Rendell signs the legislation.

“I am pleased that this statewide ban will soon become law,” Costa said. “I also thank my Senate Democratic colleagues for standing strongly with our Allegheny County Senate delegation on the local preemption issue.”
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