Connecticut tribal casino smoking ban advances

Tuesday, April 21, 2009  

Democratic and Republican lawmakers are at odds over a bill that purports to ban smoking at tribal casinos.

Democrats say the state can protect the right of workers on reservations. But Republicans say the bill is unconstitutional and would violate the tribal-state Class III gaming compact.

This, indeed, does buy us a substantial fight in the courts," said Rep. John W. Hetherington, the top Republican on the Government Administration & Elections Committee, The New London Day reported. "This is going to be a very long and costly fight for Connecticut."

Despite the concerns, the committee passed by the bill by an 8-3 vote. The Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation are vowing a fight.

Get the Story:
Casino Smoking Ban Clears Second Legislative Hurdle (The New London Day 4/21)
Despite Threats, Casino Smoking Ban Advances (The Hartford Courant 4/21)