Statehouse Live: Parkinson criticizes House smoking bill as “fraud”

? Gov. Mark Parkinson on Friday said he would veto a House bill that would ban smoking in indoor public places but allow numerous exemptions.

Parkinson called House Bill 2642 “a ridiculous piece of public policy that is nothing but a fraud.”

Parkinson has called for a strong statewide ban on smoking in public places like one already approved by the Senate.

The House bill will have a hearing next week. In addition to allowing exemptions, the bill would also overturn local anti-smoking ordinances, such as the one in Lawrence.