Virginia 2017 Regular Session Status: In Committee

SB 938 — Smoking in outdoor public place; locality regulation.

Last action — Left in General Laws

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House of Delegates
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2017 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Authorizes a locality, by ordinance, to designate nonsmoking areas in an outdoor amphitheater or concert venue owned by a locality. The bill requires such ordinance to provide for adequate signage designating such areas and provides that a violation of such ordinance is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25 paid into the Virginia Health Care Fund.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

38 added · 45 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest amendment to Bill SB 938, the definition of "outdoor public place" has been clarified to specify what locations are affected by smoking regulations. The revised language now excludes certain locations like "public greenways"—which were previously included—while adding "outdoor amphitheaters" as a venue owned by localities. This change is significant as it narrows the scope of the public smoking ban to specific local locations such as amphitheaters, potentially allowing more freedom in public recreational areas while still addressing health concerns in crowded venues.

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938 Offered January 11, 2017 Prefiled December 29, 2016 A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2820 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 28.2 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2823.1, relating to smoking in outdoor public places.
938 Senate Amendments in [ ] – February 6, 2017 A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2820 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 28.2 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2823.1, relating to smoking in outdoor public places.
---------- Patrons-- Edwards;
---------- Patrons Prior to Engrossment--Senator Edwards;
"Outdoor public place" means (i) any public park, recreational facility, or playground established by a locality pursuant to § 15.2-1806;
"Outdoor public place" means  [ (i) any public park, recreational facility, or playground established by a locality pursuant to § 15.2-1806;
or (iii) any outdoor amphitheater owned by a locality.
or (iii)   ] any outdoor amphitheater  [ or concert venue  ] owned by a locality.
"Public greenway" means any system of hiking, biking, or horseback riding trails established by a locality or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection B of § 15.2-1806.
 [ "Public greenway" means any system of hiking, biking, or horseback riding trails established by a locality or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth in accordance with subsection B of § 15.2-1806.
"Public place" means any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including but not limited to any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or any locality, public conveyance or public vehicle, educational facility, hospital, nursing facility or nursing home, other health care facility, library, retail store of 15,000 square feet or more, auditorium, arena, theater, museum, concert hall, or other area used for a performance or an exhibit of the arts or sciences, or any meeting room.
 ] "Public place" means any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including but not limited to any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or any locality, public conveyance or public vehicle, educational facility, hospital, nursing facility or nursing home, other health care facility, library, retail store of 15,000 square feet or more, auditorium, arena, theater, museum, concert hall, or other area used for a performance or an exhibit of the arts or sciences, or any meeting room.
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Action History

  1. Left in General Laws

  2. Subcommittee recommends laying on the table by voice vote

  3. Assigned GL sub: Subcommittee #3

  4. Referred to Committee on General Laws

  5. Read first time

  6. Placed on Calendar

  7. Chair votes Yes

  8. Printed as engrossed 17102097D-E

  9. Engrossed by Senate as amended SB938E

  10. Committee amendments agreed to

  11. Reading of amendments waived

  12. Read second time

  13. Referred to Committee on Local Government

  14. Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/17 17102097D

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 146 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (146)

146 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Votes

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 938 do?
Authorizes a locality, by ordinance, to designate nonsmoking areas in an outdoor amphitheater or concert venue owned by a locality. The bill requires such ordinance to provide for adequate signage designating such areas and provides that a violation of such ordinance is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25 paid into the Virginia Health Care Fund.
Who sponsors SB 938?
SB 938 is sponsored by Sam Rasoul and Edwards, John S..
What is the current status of SB 938?
This bill died with 2017 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 938?
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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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