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Attempt Stalls To Ban Smoking At CA State Parks

Written by KEYT Assignment Desk

Story Created: Mar 18, 2010 at 3:40 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 18, 2010 at 5:07 PM PST

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - An attempt to impose what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks has stalled in the California Legislature.

On Thursday, lawmakers supporting the bill in the 80-member Assembly fell five votes short of the simple majority needed to approve the ban.

Supporters expect to have enough votes when the bill comes up for another vote, as early as Monday.

Democratic Assemblywoman Julia Brownley of Santa Monica, who handled the bill on the floor, says she feels confident it eventually will pass.

The legislation would ban smoking at state beaches and all other state parks. It's meant to decrease litter from cigarette butts, eliminate second-hand smoke and reduce the threat of wildfires.

Campsites and parking areas would be exempted from the ban.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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