Wisconsin is finally going smoke-free!!

Click here to download a factsheet of Wisconsin Act 12.

History of the Smoke-Free Wisconsin Act:

ACT NUMBER
Wisconsin Act 12

LEAD AUTHORS
Senators Fred Risser and Mike Elllis
Representatives Jon Richards and Al Ott

OTHER CO-SPONSORS

Senators Coggs, Darling, Robson, Miller, Jauch

Representatives Zigmunt, Montgomery, Cullen, Toles, Sinicki, Pasch, Mursau, Clark, Benedict, Parisi, Hilgenberg, Townsend, Spanbauer, Hintz, Bernard Schaber, Gottlieb, Milroy, Berceau, Black, Pope-Roberts, Roys, Seidel, Soletski, Smith

DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin Act 12 prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces in Wisconsin, including public buildings, bowling centers, restaurants and taverns.

ANALYSIS
Legislation prohibiting smoking in indoor environments in Wisconsin should be applied equally so everyone is guaranteed protection from secondhand smoke. Restaurant and tavern employees deserve the same health protections as people who work in office buildings.
Similar legislation passed in other states has led to immediate health improvements.

The final version of the legislation allows local governments to retain most of their local authority in legislating smoking restrictions; however, Wisconsin Act 12 does preempt local governments from applying stricter ordinances in outdoor areas of businesses, like patio seating areas.

If you would like further information about the Smoke-free Wisconsin Act, please contact SmokeFree Wisconsin.

STATUS

April 2009: Companion legislative bills were introduced in the State Senate and State Assembly on April 29.

May 2009: Both bills received public hearings on May 5 and 6.  Health committees in the Senate and Assembly approved amended bills on May 8.  You can read the substitute amendment the committees approved here. Both houses of the legislature debated additional amendments and voted on a final version of the smoke-free workplaces bill on May 13.  The bill was signed into law by Gov. Doyle on May 18. 

April 2010: Senate Amendment 1 is offered by Sens. Risser and Erpenbach. Senate amendment 1 is offered as a part of AB 720 and makes changes to the definition of substantial wall. This amendment passed the Senate on a voice vote and passed the Assembly 60-34.

May 2010: Governor Doyle signed AB 720 with Senate Amendment 1 into law.

July 2010: The Smoke-Free Wisconsin Act takes effect July 5, 2010. All Wisconsin workplaces will be smoke-free.

TAKE ACTION

>> Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about why you are excited that Wisconsin will soon join 28 other state in going smoke-free

Updated May 13, 2010