“Local governments may soon be able to decide whether cigarette smoking will be permitted at beaches and public parks within their jurisdiction. On Monday, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill (SB 334) that would empower municipalities to take lead on smoking regulations with a 5-0 vote. “This will allow us to get the bad butts off the beach and get the good butts on,” said Republican Sen. Joe Gruters, the bill sponsor. Notably, the proposal advanced with an amendment that would exempt cigar and pipe tobacco from regulation. Gruter’s proposal moves next to the Senate Rules Committee for its final committee stop. If signed into law, the bill would take effect July 1.“
NOTE: Vaping is included in the SB 334 wording: “Each announcement must include a statement to the effect that Florida is a clean indoor air state and that smoking and vaping are prohibited except as provided in this part.”
ARTICLE LINK: Bill to ban smoking at beaches, parks clears Senate committee
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