The House has voted to make some changes to the new voter-approved workplace smoking ban.
The measure says businesses do not have to put a “no smoking” sign in work vehicles. It ends the mandate to remove factory-installed ash trays from the vehicles used on the job. And it will no longer force businesses to post “no smoking” signs at loading docks or garage doors.
"Nothing, and I repeat, nothing in this bill reduces the prohibitions in no smoking areas," said Rep. Vernon Laning (R-Bismarck). "Once a building or vehicle is designated a 'no smoking' zone, it remains that way throughout. The bill simply applies a little common sense to the law."
The bill passed 72 to 22. Because it changes an initiated measure, it needs two-thirds votes in both houses to pass. It now goes to the Senate.
