House panel OKs smoking ban bill

AUSTIN (AP) - The House State Affairs Committee has approved a smoking ban bill, a watered-down version of the original bill.

The committee approved the measure 8-4 on Friday.

Advocates for a statewide ban, led by the coalition Smoke-Free Texas , praised the fact that a bill emerged from committee but said it has concerns that the original intent of Republican Rep. Myra Crownover 's legislation would be destroyed in what was approved.

The intent was to eliminate smoking and the dangers of second-hand smoke in workplaces and public places, but the substitute measure would exempt some places.

Members of Smoke-Free Texas include the American Cancer Society and the Lance Armstrong Foundation . Another smoking ban bill remains stalled in a Senate committee.