SB198 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Jerry L. Fielding Gerald O. Dial Greg J. Reed Harri Anne Smith Vivian Davis Figures George M. “Marc” Keahey Bobby D. Singleton Linda Coleman-Madison Roger Bedford, Jr.Quinton Ross Rodger Smitherman Del Marsh J.T. Waggoner William “Bill” M. Beasley Tom Whatley
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed
Summary: SB198 would repeal the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and create the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2012, banning smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces and in some outdoor areas, with penalties and enforcement provisions.
What This Bill Does
It bans smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and enclosed areas of places of employment. It also bans smoking in specific outdoor areas, such as within 15 feet of entrances and outdoor seating, and near outdoor playgrounds and arenas. Some places are exempt, including private clubs and private residences not used for child care, adult care, or health care facilities. It requires owners and employers to post No Smoking signs, notify applicants and employees, enforce the rules, and handle violations with fines and penalties; local governments may adopt stricter rules. The act provides enforcement through the Department of Public Health and related authorities and allows for legal actions and penalties for violations.

Who It Affects
Employees and the public in public places and places of employment would be protected from secondhand smoke indoors and in certain outdoor areas.
Business owners, managers, and employers must enforce the ban (signage, notices, enforcement) and could face penalties; exemptions for private clubs and private residences; local governments can adopt stricter rules.

Key Provisions
Repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and creates the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2012.
Prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and enclosed areas of places of employment.
Prohibits smoking in specified outdoor areas (e.g., within 15 feet of entrances, outdoor seating, outdoor arenas, playgrounds, and outdoor service lines).
Defines key terms used in the act (BAR, PRIVATE CLUB, PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, PUBLIC PLACE, SMOKE, ENCLOSED AREA, etc.).
Exempts private clubs and private residences not used for child care, adult care, or health care facilities.
Requires owners/operators to post No Smoking signs, remove ashtrays from prohibited areas, and provide notice to applicants and employees; enforce compliance.
Establishes penalties for violations (individual smokers up to $50; businesses up to $100 first violation, $200 second within a year; civil fines up to $1,000 starting with the third violation; possible suspension of permits).
Provides for enforcement through the Department of Public Health, with complaints, inspections, and legal actions; allows nuisance abatement.
Allows political subdivisions to adopt stricter requirements.
Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Health