Smoke-free workplace bill passes, heads to Governor's desk

The Alaska House has passed a statewide smoke-free workplace bill.

A version of the bill passed the Senate last year. But it was stuck in the House Rules Committee for months this session. The committee's chairwoman, who schedules bills for the floor, had refused to move it before Saturday.

The bill passed 32-7. House Rules Chair Gabrielle LeDoux was among the dissenting votes.

The Senate must give final approval of the measure, which was changed in LeDoux's committee to allow communities to opt out of the proposed law via local elections.

The measure would bar smoking on buses and in cabs, and in places including office buildings, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. It also restricts outdoor smoking in certain areas.