I learned from Representative Tyler Olson today that the Iowa Department of Public Health has released draft regulations to implement the public smoking ban set to go into effect on July 1. Go to www.iowasmokefreeair.gov to read and comment on the regulations.

I was tough on the House Democrats earlier this year for putting so many exemptions in the smoking ban, but I understand that those were necessary to get the bill through the lower chamber.

Legislators removed some of the exceptions when the House and Senate versions were reconciled in conference. My hope is that a court may strike down some of the exemptions that remained in the final version of the bill.

For those who are still bent out of shape about the new law, I again offer my 10 suggestions to help smokers stop whining about the smoking ban.

The press release I got today from Representative Tyler Olson is after the jump.

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2008

For more information:

Tyler Olson, (319) 329-7730

STATE REP. TYLER OLSON’S STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF SMOKE-FREE AIR REGULATIONS

State Representative Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids), House floor manager of the Smokfree Air Act, issued the following statement regarding the Iowa Department of Public Health draft regulations released today implementing the smokefree places legislation.

STATEMENT OF STATE REP. TYLER OLSON

“The Smokefree Air Act signed into law earlier this year was landmark legislation to improve Iowa’s public health.  Secondhand smoke contains over 60 known cancer-causing compounds and over 400 Iowans die from its negative health effects each year.  The Smoke-Free Air Act was written to protect over 99% of Iowa’s workers and public places from the scientifically-proven harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

“The draft regulations released today by the Iowa Department of Public Health honor the intent to protect as many of Iowa’s workers and public places as possible.  They contain straightforward rules designed to educate Iowans about their responsibilities under the new law.  Iowans can visit www.iowasmokefreeair.gov to read the draft regulations, provide feedback, and get their questions answered.

“Iowans tend to obey the law, and many folks contacted me after the legislative session to make sure they knew the details of the legislation.  I look forward to a smooth implementation of this historic public health legislation and the significant decrease in incidences of heart attacks and other secondhand smoke-related illnesses seen in states with a similar law.”

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