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Lawmakers take on smoking ban stalemate

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By Dan Gearino | Thursday, March 20, 2008 | 13 comment(s)

DES MOINES — The fate of a proposed smoking ban is in the hands of 10 lawmakers who will attempt to end a weeks-long stalemate.

The lawmakers, announced Wednesday, are members of the conference committee that will attempt to bridge the differences between the Senate’s all-out ban on public smoking and the House’s exception-laden version of the plan.

“I think we’re going to have a good discussion about what is the strong bill we can pass to protect as many Iowans as possible,” said state Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, a committee member.

Notably, the roster includes state Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, one of the most outspoken advocates of an exception for bars. His presence may indicate that Senate leaders are ready to accept some of the exceptions supported by the House.

The committee includes three Democrats and two Republicans from each chamber, for a total of 10.

Democrats hope to find an approach that can get majority support from the House and Senate, while some of the Republicans would rather see the bill die.

“I think it gets to be a matter of personal rights, big time,” said state Sen. Mark Zieman,

R-Postville, a member of the committee who opposes

any ban.

The big sticking point is an exception for casinos, which the House supports and the Senate opposes. For the sides to agree, several legislators need to change their positions.

Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, who is not on the committee, said he is willing to rethink his opposition to the casino exception. He said he may support a compromise that allows smoking in certain parts of casinos, but maintains a ban in other parts.

“In the end, we may not get what everybody wants, but at least Iowa is moving forward in keeping our indoor air safe,” Danielson said.

He said he was struck by a government estimate that a ban would harm business at casinos and cost the state $30 million per year in lost gaming taxes.

The conference committee roster is as follows: Reps. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids; Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines; Mike Reasoner, D-Creston; Cecil Dolecheck, R-Mount Ayr; and Chuck Soderberg, R-Le Mars; and Sens. Staci Appel, D-Ackworth; Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City; Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo; Ron Wieck, R-Sioux City; and Mark Zieman, R-Postville.

Dan Gearino can be reached at

(515) 243-0138 and dan.gearino@lee.net.

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