The state Senate has voted to expand a ban on smoking in the workplace by removing a minimum number of employees required for the law to kick in, The Associated Press reports.
The legislation, which passed Thursday on a 24-11 vote, now moves to the House of Representatives for further action.
Under current law, the prohibition on smoking applies to workplaces with five or more employees. But some state senators said secondhand smoke is harmful no matter how many people are working in an office.
The bill applies to an individual who is self-employed, whether or not that person has any employees. However, it does not apply to an employer’s home.
Republican Sen. Rob Kane said the bill intrudes on the rights of a small businessperson. He also said it’s not the role of government to keep people healthy.
