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Minutes for HB2622 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Amending the Kansas indoor clean air act to prohibit smoking on the gaming floor of a lottery gaming facility or racetrack gaming facility.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 7, 2024
Traci Kennedy, Midwest States Strategist, Americans for Nonsmoker's Rights, provided testimony in support of HB2622 (Attachment 1). The Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act was signed into law in 2010. It extended life saving protection to all Kansans except those who work in casinos. The CDC has stated that "There is no risk-free level of second hand smoke, even brief exposure, can cause immediate harm." With more than 20 states and 1,000 smoke free casinos across the United States, there is more than sufficient evidence that smoke free casinos are economically viable and popular with the public and employees. Only 100% smoke free indoor air can protect workers and patrons from the toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. The ASHRAE have stated there is currently no system on the market that can address the hazards of secondhand smoke or e-cigarette aerosol. A report by C3 Gaming indicates that banning smoking no longer causes a dramatic drop in gaming revenue. In fact, non-smoking properties appear to be doing better than their smoking counterparts. Smoke-free casinos will save lives.
Sara Prem, Director of Advocacy in Kansas, American Lung Association (ALA), provided testimony in support of HB2622 (Attachment 2). Research supports smoke-free casinos. Creating a 100 percent smoke-free workplace for employees is the only way to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. ALA urges the updating of statutes to include electronic cigarettes, vape and other new and emerging tobacco products. In the 22nd annual State of Tobacco Control report, Kansas was given a B grade for smoke-free policies. Passage of HB2622 would likely improve the grade next year.
Joseph Hafley, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2622 (Attachment 3). Secondhand smoke is very hazardous to everyone's health. 20 states have 100% smoke-free commercial gaming by state law. Mr. Hafley has had health issues due to working in a smoke filled environment. Casino workers deserve to breathe in clean air. 85% of Kansas adults do not smoke. Smoke free casinos would make more money catering to them than the 15% that do smoke. The truth is that ventilation systems do not get rid of secondhand smoke.
Kari Rinker, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association, provided testimony in support of HB622 (Attachment 4). Scientific evidence states that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Numerous studies have found that secondhand smoke exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, and other chronic health conditions. Experimental studies have found that secondhand smoke exposure causes adverse changes in the cardiovascular system that increases the risk of a heart attack. Third-hand smoke effects employee families.
Ms. Rinker responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided testimony in support of the bill:
Megan Ward, Government Relations Director for Kansas, American Cancer Society Action Network (Attachment 5) (Attachment 6)
Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition (Attachment 7)
Noah Tommy, Private Citizen (Attachment 8)
Tarah Remington Brown, Kansas Academy of Family Physicians (Attachment 9)
Jodi Radke, Regional Director, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (Attachment 10)
