TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Assembly Republican leaders announced on Tuesday their commitment to supporting a ban on smoking in Atlantic City casinos, offering to provide the necessary votes if the Democratic majority cannot secure enough backing.
Assembly and Senate committees held hearings on the issue last year, but the proposed bill never reached a floor vote. The current legislation has 42 sponsors in the Assembly, including 13 Republicans.
“If Democrats are serious about protecting workers, Republicans are ready to help pass the bill,” said Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (R-Hunterdon, Somerset & Warren). “We need legislative action, not excuses.”
New Jersey’s 2006 smoking ban, which applies to most workplaces, exempts casinos, allowing smoking on 25% of casino floors and in designated areas. For years, casino employees and advocacy groups, including Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects and the United Auto Workers, have campaigned to eliminate this exemption. A lawsuit seeking to force change was unsuccessful, leaving the matter in the hands of the Legislature.
“This isn’t about politics, it’s about doing what’s right for workers and their families,” DiMaio added. “With significant bipartisan support, there’s no reason not to get this done.”
Republicans are urging a vote to be held as soon as possible and expressed willingness to collaborate with Democrats to pass the bill.