Health 6-22-07

Two bills to restrict smoking moved through the General Assembly this week, with one being sent to Gov. Mike Easley and the other to the Senate floor. One measure, Senate Bill 862, would allow smoking to be banned inside and within 100 feet of any building in the University of North Carolina system. The UNC Health Care system and the medical buildings of East Carolina University would have discretion over the policies of their buildings and grounds. The Senate concurred this week with changes made in the House and the bill now goes to the governor for his signature. The second bill would prohibit smoking in any state government buildings and allow local governments to do the same on their property. A Senate committee gave its approval to House Bill 24 that would bar smoking in all buildings owned, leased, or occupied by state government. The House approved the bill earlier this session and it now goes to the Senate floor.