The Virginia Senate voted Monday to ban smoking on school grounds and government buildings throughout the state.
Even legal adults, including teachers, administrators, janitors or visitors, would be barred from lighting up on school property, both inside and outside the building, under a measure that passed the Senate 32-8.
“Kids are impressionable,” said Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk. “If they see their mentors smoke on school ground, it doesn’t leave a good impression.”
Working frantically to make Tuesday’s deadline to pass bills to the other chamber, the Senate also moved to prohibit smoking in government buildings. The bill follows up on a 2006 directive from then-Gov. Tim Kaine making it illegal to smoke in executive buildings.
Local governments can choose to opt out of ban for their public buildings.
The two bills now move to the House of Delegates.
