The bill amends the "Public Health and Workplace Safety Act" by introducing new definitions and regulations regarding smoking in pari mutual facilities. It establishes a new definition for "pari mutual facility smoking lounge," which refers to an enclosed area within a pari mutual facility where smoking is permitted, provided that it has a proper ventilation system to prevent smoke from migrating to nonsmoking areas. The bill prohibits smoking in pari mutual facilities, except for one designated "pari mutual facility smoking lounge" as defined in the bill.

Additionally, the bill repeals previous provisions that required designated smoking and nonsmoking gaming areas and mandates that any pari mutual facility established under specific chapters may provide an exemption to the smoking prohibition for one smoking lounge. This change aims to balance public health concerns with the interests of businesses that operate as smoking bars. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
188: 23-20.10-6.1
188  SUB A: 23-20.10-6.1