CT Workplace Smoking Ban Expansion Passes Senate

April 26, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Connecticut state senators have approved a measure expanding the state’s existing workplace smoking ban so that it applies regardless of the number of employees at a particular worksite.

Connecticut law now applies the ban to workplaces with at least five workers, but some lawmakers contended that secondhand smoke is harmful no matter how many people are working in an office.The Associated Press said the bill applies to an individual who is self-employed, whether or not that person has any employees. However, it does not apply to an employer’s home.

According to the news report, SB 245 passed the Senate on a 24 to 11 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

In opposing the bill, Republican Senator Rob Kane said the bill intrudes on the rights of a small businessperson and that it’s not the role of government to keep people healthy.

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