11:30 am The Dallas City Council is currently debating strengthening the current local ordinance. There was discussion on whether to delay the vote. There was a motion, but it failed.
Stay tuned for more details...
Currently, those individuals opposing the smoke-free ordinance are speaking. Each side will have 12 minutes.
12:12 pm A motion was considered to allow both sides 5 extra minutes to speak. The motion passed.
12:34 pm Those in favor of smoke-free Dallas are now speaking. American Heart Association volunteer and co-chair of our State Advocacy Committee Dr. Amit Khera is first at the podium.
1:10 pm Comments from the general public have concluded. Now each council member will comment on the ordinance. Discussion on proposed amendments will follow.
1:30 pm Discussion is still underway. We've made it easy for our volunteers and staff to stay involved today. Boxed lunches are available in the common areas and many of us are sharing lap tops to stay connected. (posted by Terri Broussard on behalf of Brian Bowser)
1:40 pm Many of us from Austin are scheduled for a 2:30pm flight out. We expected the vote have wrapped by now. We're trying to rebook our flights. I'm amazed at the number of AHA National Center Staff that are still here. The support has been overwhelming and we are grateful for their participation. (posted by Terri Broussard on behalf of Brian Bowser)
2:00 pm We believe from a statement by a council member that we just gained one YES vote. However, the council is still going at it strong and each council member is making a statement. (posted by Terri Broussard on behalf of Brian Bowser)
2:01 pm It sounds like they are about to vote on an amendment to grandfather in pool halls (and make them exempt from a smoke-free law), as well as prohibit smoking in cars if a child is a passenger. (posted by Terri Broussard on behalf of Brian Bowser)
2 comments:
I LOVE prohibiting smoking in cars addition!
I beleive prohibiting actions by an individual in a private vehicle is unconstitutional and would bring a HUGE chance of having the whole thing overturned. Where do we draw the line re: regulating what people do in their own vehicles? What's to stop from us regulating what people do in their own homes. There is a line that should not be crossed. Public places is one thing, but not private vehicles and residences.
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