Simpson Weighs In as House Adds Smoking Ban to Finance Bill

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – An East Texas lawmaker made his presence felt as the Texas House approved a measure to ban smoking in public places across Texas. The sponsor of the amendment, Denton state Rep. Myra Crownover, said the bill will save $30 million a year in health care costs associated with smoking. She faced fierce opposition from some fellow Republicans, including Longview Rep. David Simpson, who tried to also ban perfume and cologne in public places. But he was shut down by Republican Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, who said he was mocking cancer patients. After hours of debate over property rights, personal rights, and public health, state representatives added the measure to a fiscal matters law. The bill was approved 73-66. Before it can come into force, the bill must still pass through a conference committee and be signed by the governor.