Kansas Smoking Ban Hearing

Theres almost no debate that smoking is unhealthy, but there's plenty of debate on whether and how to implement a statewide ban on smoking in public to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Interested citizens, lobbyists and speakers filled the Health and Human Services hearing room in the Docking building Wednesday.

Local media photographed Stacy Parkinson, wife of Governor Mark Parkinson, as she led protesters to display 380 pairs of empty shoes, on the steps of the Capitol. Parkinson said the shoes depict one year of deaths caused by second-hand smoke in Kansas.

Only KansasWatchdog and State of the State Kansas actually shot video of the committee hearing where total ban proponents were repeatedly questioned on the validity of their statements on the hazards of secondhand smoke.

Lobbyists and business owners spoke in favor of a ban similar to the one in force in Wichita, which allows business to choose to pay for a permit, post signs that the business allows smoking and prohibit minors from entering. Business owners, pro-tobacco lobbyists and committee members also addressed the hypocrisy of an exemption for state-owned casinos.

Here are some hilights from the hearing.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Smoking ban
• Kansas Legislature
• second-hand smoke

[KansasWatchdogTV]

Cr3ater: Your comments are welcome but make them on point.  Insulting and name calling comments that do not add to public discourse are deleted. efg

[ShweatyG]

The ban is complete and utter bullshit. Where are the facts people? I am ashamed of this video as we all should be. There is no hard evidence of second hand smoke hurting anyone. Frankly, I am afraid of what they might ban next without hard evidence. This video might help you make a good decision on who is right.

[Chrisandjen14]

I can't believe these people are saying second hand smoke doesn't kill or harm people.

Brenda Landwehr should be ashamed of herself. Mike Munger did an amazing job.