Smoking ban bill blocked from vote

AUSTIN (AP) - Austin's Lance Armstrong is racing in Italy in his comeback to professional cycling.

Back home in Texas, the cancer survivor's foundation is on the verge of losing its top priority of the legislative session. It's about a proposed statewide ban on smoking in most public places, including bars and restaurants.

Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound in February joined Armstrong on the Texas Capitol steps in a pledge to support the plan. However, Nelson, who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, has not allowed a vote on the bill.

Nelson said she still supports the bill and that there is time to address it before the session ends June 1. Asked why she has not allowed a vote, Nelson said she and Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston had "an agreement" but would not elaborate.

Ellis said he has got the votes to send the plan to the House.