Vivian Davis Figures on Environment Democratic Senate Challenger; member of State Senate

Sponsored bill that banned public smoking statewide

Figures sponsored a 2003 law that prohibited smoking in some public places, but had been unable to win an expansion of the ban until now. "I'm ecstatic," Figures said after the vote. "We've been very patient, very prayerful, very faithful. We're confident we're going to pass the House."

The bill provides exemptions for private dwellings, certain motel and nursing home rooms, and private clubs. "I wanted bars to be smoke-free, too, but this is what we had to compromise on," Figures said. Smoking outside of restaurants and other establishments would be OK if the smoker stayed at least 10 feet from doors and windows.