6/24/03-Gov. Brad Henry has signed legislation into law that restricts smoking in restaurants and most public places.
The bill won final passage in the Senate May 28 and House the following day.
“ This law enacts reasonable, common-sense safeguards against secondhand smoke that poses a health hazard to nonsmokers,” Henry said. “SJR21 strikes a good balance between health concerns and the legitimate concerns of small businesses.”
Restaurants will have 30 months from Sept. 1, the date the legislation takes effect, to go smoke-free or install separate and enclosed ventilation systems for smoking sections or rooms.
There are exceptions to the law. Smoking would be allowed in stand-alone bars and taverns. Smoking also would be permitted in outdoor seating areas of a restaurant as well as certain private offices and veterans ’ organizations.

3/17/03-A Senate resolution to curb smoking in public has made its way to the House.
SJR21, authored by Senate leader Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, won passage in the Senate March 10 by a 30 to 15 vote.
The bill prohibits smoking in restaurants and most other public places. Exceptions include smoking in stand-alone bars and taverns.
Under the measure, the Legislature can enact it without being required to send the issue before the public in a general election.
It is in the House Rules Committee. For bill status, call (405) 524-0126.

3/7/03-State Senate leader Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, has sponsored legislation that would eliminate smoking in restaurants and most other public places.
SJR21 prohibits smoking in "any enclosed indoor area where individuals other than employees are invited or permitted."
The bill permits smoking in stand-alone bars and in cigar bars.
Under the measure, the Legislature can enact it without being required to send the issue before the public in a general election.
It is in the Senate Human Resources Committee. For bill status, call (405) 524-0126.