House Democrats introduce HR. 3382 to ban smoking in and around courthouses. Status of e-cigs unknown

[Placebo Effect]

Dem lawmakers seek to end smoking in all federal buildings - The Hill's Floor Action

It will be interesting to see if the sponsors were convinced to ban e-cigarettes as well. Keep in mind 'federal courthouses' doesn't just mean a courtroom -- it's the offices of judges and clerks, as well as 25 feet from the building.

I've asked the sponsor's legislative office to get me a copy, as it is not on the Library of Congress' website.

 

[rothenbj]

I think it's almost required that they ban smoking in all Federal building in order to fo the next step of banning smoking on all Federal property. It's all part of the SOP.

 

[BCB]

They have banned smoking on all county property here. Many of us are confused about the legalities of standing on the side of the county road and having a smoke or smoking in our cars while driving on a county road. We bravely break the law all the time. Kinda like when we were teenagers. Like jaywalking. Heady stuff.

 

[rothenbj]

Anti-smoking is pretty much like urban crawl. It's over there one day and the next it surrounds you. All manipulated by the very few on the masses

 

[Placebo Effect]

http://thehill.com/images/stories/blogs/flooraction/Jan2011/hr3382.pdf

E-cigs are not included, as there "smoking" is not defined by the bill.

 

[Bill Godshall]

This Washington Post article states that smoking was banned inside all federal buildings and outside near doorways by the Clinton administration (which is what I too recall).
Bill would ban smoking at federal buildings - The Federal Eye - The Washington Post

Thus, I don't know why this new legislation was introduced (other than to prevent future presidents from rescinding Clinton's policy).

Regardless, I'd be shocked if the Republican controlled House considers (i.e. allows even a committee vote) this new legislation before the end of the Congressional session next year. Its DOA.

 

[rothenbj]

You know. when I first read this, I thought that had been done long ago but I thought, perhaps, there were some exceptions that this legislation was covering.

 

[Vocalek]

Well, Bill, I guess the sponsors figured that since all the truly serious problems of our country had already been solved, they had the free time to draft superfluous legislation.

 

[Lavaca5]

Well, Bill, I guess the sponsors figured that since all the truly serious problems of our country had already been solved, they had the free time to draft superfluous legislation.

Seriously! However, keeping their eyes on the prize has never been Congress's strong suit. Saw a clip on The Daily Show the other day of a congressman introducing a bill to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the country's motto just because Obama goofed and said it was "E Pluribus Unum." It's no wonder we're in such sorry shape.