Legislation would prohibit smoking near university buildings

Legislation introduced this week in the state Senate would ban smoking within 50 feet of all state buildings - specifically universities.

The bill, proposed by Sen. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler, would revise a law already on the books to include the 50-foot no smoking perimeter.

"Personally, I'm philosophically not aligned with this," Huppenthal said, adding that he introduced the bill because of vocal support from a constituent who works in the Arizona State University electrical shop.

"He's had a high level of concern about getting his ideas heard," Huppenthal said. "He feels they've been lax about enforcing the ban within buildings themselves."

A similar House measure, introduced by fellow Chandler Republican Rep. Lori Daniels, does not include the 50-foot perimeter provision.

Daniels said she put forth the legislation because a voter requested it - the same vocal voter who sparked Huppenthal's measure.

"There's a constituent of mine that specifically wanted to ban smoking on campus," she said. "Mine was just specifically for the individual who works at the university who sees it as a real problem."

The bills, S.B. 1044 and H.B. 2139, would also codify a statewide smoking ban in state-owned vehicles, including the University of Arizona motor pool. The motor pool already prohibits lighting up while driving or riding in its vehicles.

Daniels said similar legislation was considered last year, but Huppenthal had already exceeded his bill introduction limit.

The bills would exempt state hospital patients, prison inmates and people who use tobacco for religious or ceremonial purposes. Also immune are people residing in state-owned or -leased buildings.

Although UA residence hall policy already prohibits smoking within 50 feet of most dorms, residents of Corleone Apartments and Babcock Inn are allowed to smoke in their rooms with their roommates' consent.

UA students gave mixed responses to the proposed law. Most non-smokers were in favor of the bill and most smokers were against it.

"It's a good idea," said pre-law freshman Steve Reichling, a non-smoker. "People wouldn't have to inhale that stuff when they're coming in and out of class."

But Malcolm Johnson, an undeclared freshman, said it would be unreasonable to prohibit smoking in front of the main entrance of the Memorial Student Union.

"This is a place where we sit back and relax," Johnson said while puffing his cigarette near the Union's front steps. "If students don't want to smell the smoke, they shouldn't sit by someone who's smoking. There are plenty of other places to eat."

Undeclared freshman Amy Thompson wondered if a law would do any good.

"They may think this will cut down on smoking, but I don't think it will," she said.

Thompson, a non-smoker, said forcing campus smokers into designated smoking areas would be too much for university police to handle.

"I don't think they can enforce it, frankly," she said.

Despite his philosophical opposition, Huppenthal said he was pleased to bring the issue to test.

"That's what we're here to do - to give people a hearing," he said. "But by and large, I think people should be tolerant of other people's foibles."

Both bills have been referred to committees for review.

Wildcat reporter Craig Anderson contributed to this report.