New Jersey already has some of the nations most restrictive smoking laws, but there is bi-partisan support for expanding the current bans.

A measure was first passed in 2006 that restricted indoor smoking in most public places. It was expanded in 2018 to include strict outdoor smoking rules on public beaches and public parks.

Just after the expansion was signed into law, Sen. Shirley Turner proposed even tougher restrictions, but lawmakers failed to act.

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, D-Burlington, has reintroduced the measure (A4828.)

It would ban smoking in more outdoor public places, including boardwalks, race tracks, amusement parks, historic sites, cemeteries and burial sites.

All state-owned land would also be subject to the tougher rules.

The legislation has had the support of Gov. Phil Murphy in the past, but has not managed to gain approval in the legislature.

While passage is not assured, and leadership has not commented on whether it will be posted for a vote, there is bi-partisan support. Republican Bergen County Assemblyman Kevin Rooney has been a key sponsor in past legislative sessions.

The bill does not, however, address smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.

Casino workers have been rallying to try and pressure lawmakers to pass an smoking ban on all casino floors. The legislation has the support of the governor and a majority of lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly.

The bill has yet to be scheduled for a hearing or a vote.

In June, a Stockton University poll found broad public support for a casino smoking ban. 62% of New Jersey residents said they supported the ban.

The casino industry, however, has fought mightily against it. Casino executives claim a smoking ban would drive gamblers to other states where smoking is still allowed, and derail recovery efforts from the pandemic.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

How is it still standing? Look inside the oldest home for sale in NJ

New Jersey's oldest house is located on Gloucester County and dates back to the 1600's

25 costliest hurricanes of all time

Although the full extent of damage caused by Hurricane Ian in the Southwest is still being realized, Ian is already being called one of the costliest storms to ever hit the U.S. Stacker took a look at NOAA data to extrapolate the costliest U.S. hurricanes of all time.  

 

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

 

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM