Senate Bill 575 Resurfaces - A Proposal To Ban Smoking in California

Senate Bill 575 (introduced by Senator Mark DeSaulnier), which was tabled in 2011, resurfaced on June 19, 2012. Titled as the "Smokefree Workplaces" bill, SB 575 is supported by the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association and is presented as "an ammendment to Section 6404.5 of the Labor Code;" seeking to close all exemptions relating to smoking in the workplace. If passed, this bill would "expand the prohibition on smoking in a place of employment to include an owner-operated business, as defined. This bill would also eliminate most of the specified exemptions that permit smoking in certain work environments, such as hotel lobbies, bars and taverns, banquet rooms, warehouse facilities, private residences used as family day care homes, and employee break rooms." This is Senator DeSaulnier's THIRD attempt (he introduced AB 1467 in 2007; which was vetoed by former Governor Schwarzegger) to expand the prohibition of smoking in California. While the current version of SB 575 does include a small exemption for "tobacco shops," if passed, it would devestate California's small businesses and the ability to enjoy fine cigars in the Golden State. Both AB 1467 and SB 575 passed the House and Senate by a significate margin, when previously introduced. Without Governor Schwarzegger in office to veto this bill, it is up to California residents to contact their represenatives and urge them to Vote 'NO' on SB 575, or any bill that seeks to expand the prohibition of smoking in California. TAKE ACTION: Click the buttom below to contact your respresenatives!

YouTube: CA State Senator Mark Desaulnier Talks About SB 575