INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A proposed statewide smoking ban in public places in Indiana won't be considered by the Indiana Senate and is likely dead this legislative session.
An original bill in the House would have banned smoking in public places except casinos and pari-mutuel horse racing venues.
But the final bill passed by the House included more exemptions, including those for bars, taverns and fraternal clubs.
Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long of Fort Wayne said Wednesday that the Senate isn't ready to consider a statewide smoking bill this session, and therefore one is unlikely to pass this session. He says economic times are tough and a statewide ban could hurt some businesses.
But he didn't rule out a statewide ban sometime in the future.