Topeka, Kan. – One of Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson's priorities laid out in the State of the State address is a statewide smoking ban, but that issue has run into challenges in the legislature in past years.
The Kansas Senate passed a smoking ban last session, but couldn't reach a compromise with House leaders.
House Health and Human Services Committee Chair, Brenda Landwehr, says one of the major stumbling blocks has been an exemption for state-owned casinos.
"Because we're saying this is a health issue, that we've got to protect these people, we've got to protect the employees. But we own the casinos, and we're not going to impact our own business. That is a major, major problem," said Landwehr.
Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, says she is not in favor of a smoking ban, but is interested in trying to find a compromise on the issue.
