Committee advances rule to bar smoking, vaping and alcohol on House floor during session

Representative Mickelson told the committee RS 32025 would amend Rule 40 to ban smoking, vaping, use of other tobacco products and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the representative chamber and gallery while the House is in session. "Simply what we're doing is we are not allowing smoking, vaping and the use of any other tobacco product or the consumption of alcoholic beverages while, will not be allowed in the representative chamber or gallery while the House is in session," Mickelson said.

Committee members asked whether the restriction would apply during "at ease" moments or ceremonies. Mickelson said the RS addresses conduct "while the House is in session," and earlier discussion clarified that exceptions for at-ease moments or ceremonial appearances would remain possible with permission.

Representative Holtzclaw moved to introduce RS 32025. Representative Joe Palmer said he could not support a full, open allowance because of practical concerns about food and drink on the floor. "If we open it up completely it's going to turn into a movie theater and the floor is going to get sticky and the staff will have messes to constantly clean up," Palmer said; he was recorded voting no on the committee motion. Representative Mickelson described the change as a decorum measure and said he would be open to a friendly amendment to allow water or light snacks.

The committee voted to introduce RS 32025 on a voice vote; the transcript records Representative Palmer as voting no. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript. The RS will be introduced; the transcript does not record further amendments or a referral schedule.