Hoffman reintroduces smoking ban

A West Monroe lawmaker is back again with his yearly attempt to ban smoking within 25 feet of the entrances to state-owned office buildings, as a way to lessen exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke.

The House voted 78-11 Wednesday for the bill by Rep. Frank Hoffmann, a Republican. The proposal (House Bill 168) has received House backing in prior years, but has repeatedly run into opposition from senators.

Louisiana prohibits smoking in restaurants, public places, public buildings and many places of employment. Hoffmann wants to extend the ban to within 25 feet of public entrances to state office buildings and to their wheelchair ramps.

Violators would face a $25 fine the first time, a $50 fine for a second offense and a $100 fine for subsequent offenses.

The measure heads next to the Senate for debate