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Inmate Smoking Ban Passes 1st Legislative Hurdle
2005-07-07
A state senator who claims that inmates lead "a pretty wild life" got his proposed ban on smoking in prisons through its first committee.
The measure would have to clear two more before it reached the full Senate for a vote.
Albuquerque Republican Joseph Carraro sponsored the bill, which would outlaw smoking in publicly and privately operated correctional facilities, in juvenile detention facilities and on public school campuses.
According to the state Department of Education, smoking is already prohibited on school campuses.
Carraro said Friday that prisoners who smoke are hurting themselves and nonsmoking inmates as well, and the state may have to pick up the tab for health care.
"Prisoners have it pretty good, considering the crimes they committed," he told the Senate Public Affairs Committee, alleging that drugs, drink and sex are readily available.
excerpts from The Albuquerque Journal, Article by The Associated Press (Deborah Baker)
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