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Smokefree Air Act Rules Approved Posted 29 June 2008 The Iowa State Board of Health adopted unanimously the administrative rules that accompany the Smokefree Air Act. The rules, which will have the authority of law when the Act goes into effect July 1, outline how implementation and enforcement of the new law will take place. The Smokefree Air Act protects the health of Iowans by prohibiting smoking in nearly all enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars. The Board adopted the rules during a special meeting held Friday. Cheryll Jones, chair of the Iowa State Board of Health stressed the impact of the law on public health in Iowa. "The priority of the Board of Health is to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of Iowa." Jones said. "The Smoke Free Air Act helps us to move closer to our goal of a healthy Iowa for all of our citizens." Governor Chet Culver signed the Smokefree Air Act on April 15, less than 11 weeks before the Act was to go into effect. To ensure the public has ample time to comment on the rules, a public comment period will continue through Aug. 22. A number of public comment meetings are scheduled throughout Iowa and via the Iowa Communications Network. Amendments to the rules based on public comments will have to be considered by the Board of Health in the fall of this year. To learn more about the Smokefree Air Act or to submit a comment on the rules, go to www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov. Visitors to the site can also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions and samples of signs that many Iowa businesses and governmental organizations will need to display beginning July 1. Keep an eye on this site for updates regarding the date, time and place of the public comment meetings.

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