Lawmakers in Connecticut are moving forward with a bill that would extend the state's ban on smoking in public places to tribal casinos.

The bill creates a 10-member committee to negotiate the issue with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. If an agreement can't be reached in a year, the ban would take effect in February 2009.

The tribe oppose the measure. They say the state's attempt to impose its own law on reservation infringes on their sovereignty.

Rep. Michael Christ, a Democrat, also questioned the bill. “Proponents of it are claiming to want to negotiate this and work with the tribe about the issue, and yet the first thing we do is propose legislation without ever having talked to them about the issue, or exploring ways that might be suitable for everybody involved," said Christ, The New London Day reported.

The smoking ban would apply to all parts of the Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun Casino that serve liquor. That includes the gaming floor, bars and most restaurants.

Attorney general Richard Blumenthal has said the tribal-state compact requires the tribes to maintain health standards at least as stringent as the state's. He recommended negotiation but the tribe say they will probably end up in court if the ban passes.

The ban was heavily supported by the United Auto Workers union, which represents card dealers at Foxwoods.

The bill, SB 419, was passed by the Legislature's Public Health Committee by a 24-6 vote.

Get the Story:
Casino Smoking Talks Nearer (The Hartford Courant 3/18)
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Casino Smoking Bill Advances In Legislature (The New London Day 3/18)
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