Clean the Air in Tennessee
What a shock: Senate committee passes bill to limit indoor smoking

While it's intriguing to wonder what exactly got into some state senators last week, a bill that advanced to ban much indoor smoking in the state was an excellent move, and legislators are encouraged to sustain the momentum.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee voted 5-2 for the bill, modeled on similar legislation approved in Georgia last year. The measure would ban smoking in buildings owned or operated by the state, indoor public places and closed work areas. It would allow smoking in bars and restaurants that serve only adults or where there are private rooms in restaurants or bars that have separate exhaust systems.

State lawmakers recently rejected legislation that would have allowed local governments to enact their own regulations about smoking in public places, so the Senate panel's action was surprising and noteworthy. It would be splendid to see the bill march toward passage and into law. That may still be an uphill climb, especially in the House, but if some senators see the light on the smoking issue, other lawmakers can too.

One voice in particular drew attention in the Senate committee. Sen. Jeff Miller, R-Cleveland, has done a personal about-face on the smoking issue. Miller not only voted for the ban last week, he spoke for it. He noted his own experience and encouraged other legislators to take a breath in a restaurant where smoking is prohibited and notice the difference.

It's good advice. If lawmakers will seriously think about the health hazards in a smoke-filled environment, contemplate the expensive health issues currently before the state and act in a way that truly serves their constituents, not the tobacco lobby, they, too, will see the point Miller is making.

Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, is sponsoring the Senate bill. He's not building any false hopes about the future of the legislation. But as long as the bill is on the table, and as long as the issue is open to serious consideration, lawmakers have the chance to do the right thing and make a lot of enclosed spaces much healthier for Tennesseans.

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