Bill Introduced to Ban Smoking at State Parks & Beaches
Source: The Associated Press, 2/21/08
California State Senator Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) has introduced a bill that would impose a $100 fine for smoking at any state beach or park. The bill aims to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke while also reducing the environmental risks such as litter and fires.
“Caring for the environment and protecting public health are goals worthy of California’s policymakers,” said Oropeza after introducing Senate Bill 1418. “Safeguarding state parks and beaches from cigarette butts, protecting fish and helping prevent fires reflect the values of most Californians. This is how we can be good stewards of our environment.”
A similar bill failed to clear a Senate committee last year, but many local governments have already taken the lead. More than 35 coastal communities in California have outlawed smoking at their beaches and dozens of others ban smoking in parks and playgrounds. Oropeza also sponsored a law that now bans smoking in cars carrying minors. For more information, please visit: http://dist28.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={158155BF-B41C-452C-A7E3-439790D3B207}&DE={96062026-BC15-4A79-8400-1354341DC982}
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