MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Representatives Compretta, Clarke, Moak, Reeves, Stevens, Stringer

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT SMOKING IN NEW CAPITOL BUILDING; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT SHALL BE ENFORCED BY THE CAPITOL POLICE AND THE SERGEANTS AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE; TO PROVIDE CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section, the term "smoke" or "smoking" means to inhale, exhale, burn, carry or otherwise possess any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other object or device of any form that contains lighted tobacco or any other smoking product.

(2) No person shall smoke in the New Capitol Building.

(3) The Capitol Police and the Sergeants at Arms of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall not permit smoking in the New Capitol Building and shall use reasonable efforts to prevent smoking in the New Capitol Building, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Posting appropriate signs informing state employees, invitees, guests and other persons that smoking is prohibited in the New Capitol Building; and

(b) Securing the removal of persons who smoke in the New Capitol Building.

(4) Any person who violates subsection (2) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each violation.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.