SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5399

BYSenators Kreidler, Kiskaddon and Williams

Controlling pollution from smoking.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987; February 10, 1987; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5399 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature passed the Washington Clean Air Act in 1985. That act does not address smoking in the workplace.  There are no other statutes regarding smoking in the workplace.  The only regulations regarding smoking in the workplace apply to smoking in the vicinity of flammable or other dangerous substances.

In 1986 the U.S. Surgeon General's annual report stated that "second-hand" smoke (the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette) is a cause of disease, including lung cancer, in healthy nonsmokers.  The Surgeon General estimated that 20 percent of lung cancer deaths are attributable to second-hand smoke.

SUMMARY:

The original bill was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

No person may smoke in a state building, except as provided. Smoking may occur only in fully enclosed smoking lounges that are ventilated to the outside.  A health promotion effort directed toward smoking cessation shall be available by September 1, 1988.  The Department of Labor and Industries shall certify all smoking lounges.  Private offices do not qualify as smoking lounges.  The living quarters of inmates at correctional facilities are exempt.  Smoking is prohibited in state motor pool vehicles, except when a person is driving alone or has the permission of other passengers.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Mike Kreidler (for); Bill Fritz, Tobacco Inst. (against); Kathleen Durkin, Phillip Morris (against); Rachel Hughes, American Lung Association (for); Paul Lovegren, Fresh Air Non-Smokers (for); John Finnan Clean Air State Employees (for); Mike Ryherd, Washington State Medical Association (for); Walt Jorgenson, state employee (for)