HB258 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mary Sue McClurkinCity Council

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Richard J. LairdDavid StandridgeGreg WrenSteve McMillanMerika ColemanAlan HarperDickie DrakeJack WilliamsHoward SanderfordMac McCutcheonThad McClammyKurt WallaceJohn MerrillAlan BakerHarry ShiverJoe FaustPebblin W. WarrenPaul BeckmanAlan BootheRandy WoodElaine BeechK.L. BrownWayne JohnsonJamie IsonRichard Lindsey

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Smoking, in places of employment and public places, prohibited, State Board of Health to enforce, Alabama Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Summary

HB258 creates the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act to ban smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces, and private clubs, imposes outdoor distance restrictions, requires signs and enforcement by the State Board of Health, and repeals the old Clean Indoor Air Act.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places, workplaces, and enclosed areas of private clubs, and extends prohibitions to outdoor areas within 15 feet of entrances, outdoor seating, arenas, playgrounds, and other specified locations. It requires posting No Smoking signs, allows owners to designate nonsmoking areas, and removes ashtrays from prohibited zones. It enforces the ban through fines for individuals and businesses, may assess civil penalties for repeat violations, and permits nuisance abatement; it also provides for inspections, complaints, and local enforcement options, while repealing the prior Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and allowing some local flexibility.

Who It Affects

• Employees and customers in places of employment and public places who would be restricted from smoking and protected from secondhand smoke.
• Owners, operators, managers, and private clubs and other public facilities who must enforce the ban, post signs, manage designated nonsmoking areas, and may face fines or license consequences for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places, places of employment, and enclosed areas of private clubs; definitions set scope and terms.
• Outdoor smoking restrictions require staying at least 15 feet away from entrances, exits, windows, outdoor seating/serving areas, and certain outdoor venues like arenas, playgrounds, and service lines.
• Owners and managers must post No Smoking signs at entrances and remove ashtrays from prohibited areas; they may designate nonsmoking areas.
• Violations carry penalties: individuals can be fined up to $50; first violations by owners/managers up to $100 and $200 for subsequent within a year; third and further violations may incur civil fines up to $1,000 and possible license/permit suspension or revocation.
• The Department of Public Health (Board of Health) enforces the act, may enter premises to check compliance, and can pursue nuisance abatement; complaints can be filed by the public.
• The act repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and allows local governments to adopt stricter standards; it takes effect three months after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Smoking