SB 5993-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/01)

     Removes the discretion of owners or managers of restaurants, card rooms, and bowling alleys to choose to allow smoking areas other than in a lounge, bar, or other area where persons under eighteen years of age are not permitted to enter or remain.

     Provides that, by December 31, 2002, the department of health, in consultation with the liquor control board and the department of labor and industries, shall adopt rules for the purpose of protecting the health of nonsmokers from the hazards of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.  These rules shall address at least the following issues:  (1) Ensuring that smoking occurs at a reasonable distance away from any area where smoking is prohibited, to ensure that tobacco smoke does not enter the area; and

     (2) Mechanical and/or physical barriers between nonsmoking and smoking areas in restaurants, restaurant lounges, and other applicable locations.

     Provides that, before making rules under this act, the secretary of health shall consider proposed rules to be developed and approved by a task force.

     Requires the task force to report its results to the appropriate legislative committees and the secretary of the department of health by December 31, 2001.  These rules shall take effect July 1, 2003.