Statewide Smoking Ban Bill Filed In Texas

A Texas state Senator his filed a bill that would ban smoking statewide in all indoor and outdoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

State Senator Rodney Ellis from Houston filed the bill.  Ellis argues smoking is a public safety issue.  It is also a health issue with around $96 billion annually spent on health care costs from smoking.

Ellis believes people working in environments where smoking is allowed are most at risk.

Some exceptions to the bill include outdoor patios designated for smoking at restaurants and bars.  The ban would not apply to specialized tobacco bars that were opened before 2013.

According to a recent poll, 70% of Texans would support a statewide ban.

Many Texas cities already have a ban in place, the first being Austin in 2005.