Sen. Simpson files bill to strengthen local control over smoking standards

On Wednesday, state Senator Frank Simpson filed legislation to provide local communities more control over smoking standards. Currently, cities and towns cannot enact smoking ordinances that are more stringent than state law.

“As a strong advocate for local control, I feel citizens should have the ability to set standards for their community. The right of local control by our communities must not be taken away by state government, but that’s currently what’s happening,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore. “I know the tobacco lobby will be opposed to this bill. However, the health of our citizens, especially our children, should take precedent over the profits of the tobacco industry.”

Senate Bill 1032 would allow governmental subdivisions to adopt and enforce policies related to tobacco products, secondhand smoke and smoking that are more stringent than state law.

There are currently around a dozen states including Oklahoma who have such preemption laws related to tobacco and smoking. These laws prevent local governments from being able to address matters such as smoking in restaurants and other public places as they see fit.

SB 1032 will be taken up in Senate committee when the Legislature convenes on Monday, February 6.