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AP: Parkinson signs state smoking ban
Published 3/13/2010 in Lottery
TOPEKA (AP) — Gov. Mark Parkinson signed Kansas' first statewide smoking ban Friday, calling it a victory for people concerned about clean air.
"This is really one of the happiest days I've had as governor of this state," Parkinson said during a Statehouse ceremony.
Parkinson said the law, which takes effect July 1, was the work of a bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate, as well as numerous doctors, nurses and health professionals. The governor had made the ban a priority this legislative session.
The law prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, offices and other public places. It specifically exempts state-owned casinos, which the governor said was hypocritical. He said it would be appropriate for the state to change that exemption in the future, but his office would not be seeking that legislation.
Health officials estimate that 4,000 Kansans die from smoking-related disease every year, including about 300 through exposure to secondhand smoke.
Former Sen. David Wysong, a Mission Hills Republican, was among those attending the signing. Parkinson noted that Wysong began the pursuit of a smoking ban four years ago against much opposition from legislators and interest groups.
"This man has patience," Parkinson said.
There will be two ceremonial bill signings on Monday, in Salina at the public health agency and at the University of Kansas School of Nursing in Kansas City.
Secretary of state
Kansas might soon have a new secretary of state to replace Republican Ron Thornburgh, who resigned Feb. 15.
Gov. Mark Parkinson said Friday that he could name Thornburgh's replacement next week.
The Kansas Constitution requires the governor to replace a statewide elected official to finish an unexpired term. Kansans will elect a new secretary of state in November.
Parkinson isn't bound by Thornburgh's party affiliation and could name a Democrat to fill the vacancy.
Parkinson's predecessor, then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, picked fellow Democrat Dennis McKinney as state treasurer to replace Republican Lynn Jenkins after she was elected to Congress in 2008.
There is no deadline for Parkinson to fill the vacancy. The appointment doesn't require legislative approval.
States' rights
Kansas House members are changing a resolution that legislators intend to send to Washington to assert the state's sovereignty.
Friday's changes would clarify that Kansans are concerned about federal rules that require states to follow suit or face penalties.
Legislators have pushed for the resolution amid growing concerns that the federal government is overstepping its constitutional authority — particularly on health care reform.
House members approved the changes and sent the resolution on for a final vote, likely on Monday. The resolution, which has no legal authority, would then head back to the Senate.
Rep. Joe Patton, a Topeka Republican, said the resolution was important to Kansans to send a message that the federal government is ignoring the rights of its citizens.
"It is symbolic, but it is not without meaning. The flag is symbolic, but it is not without meaning," Patton said.
If the Senate doesn't agree to House changes to the resolution, negotiators will be appointed to work out a final compromise. The resolution doesn't require the governor's signature to be adopted.
Farm trucks
Kansas and Nebraska regulators have signed an agreement letting farmers drive trucks across the state line without having a commercial driver's license.
The two states already let farmers drive trucks under certain conditions without commercial licenses.
The agreement announced Friday by the Kansas Corporation Commission means they don't have to worry about straying into the neighboring state.
Farmers must have valid driver's licenses and use the trucks only to transport agriculture products, supplies or machinery to or from their property.
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