Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment to SB 1811 that prohibits smoking in public places.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any person from smoking in any public place within the state of Texas.

• Defines a "public place" as an enclosed area to which the public is invited, including a bar or a restaurant.

• Authorizes the owner, manager, or operator in control of a public place to declare that entire establishment, including the outdoor area, as a nonsmoking place.

• Exempts certain establishments from the smoking ban including, but not limited to, the following:
• Tobacco shops and bars;
• Outdoor areas of restaurants and bars;
• Film sets;
• Billiard halls for customers 21 and older having more than 10 billiard tables;
• Fraternal or veterans organizations; and
• Premises where charitable bingo is authorized.

• Specifies that the penalties for a violation of this act are as follows:
• A fine of no more than $50 for the first offense;
• A fine of no more than $200 for the second offense; and
• A fine of no more than $500 for the third offense.

• Rep. Myra Crownover is not listed on our vote breakdown because her vote did not accurately reflect her intention; she initially voted "Yea" but changed her vote to "Nay" after the roll call.

• Rep. Rob Eissler is not listed on our vote breakdown because his vote did not accurately reflect his intention; he initially voted "Nay" but changed his vote to "Yea" after the roll call.

• Rep. Chente Quintanilla voted "Yea" after the roll call.

Full Bill Text