Healthier Living, Smoke-Free Restaurants Encouraged In Legislation Goes To Governor

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Legislation to make Oklahoma a healthier state through local efforts promoting personal responsibility is one step away from becoming law.

House Bill 2774, by Rep. Kris Steele, authorizes the State Department of Health to implement a rebate program to reimburse restaurant owners for a portion of the expenses incurred in complying with statutory requirements for constructing a designated smoking room if the restaurant converts to a completely smoke-free environment.

The measure also allows the State Department of Health to establish programs for the voluntary certification of communities and schools that promote wellness and health.

"This is a purely voluntary program that will help encourage restaurants to go completely smoke-free," said Steele, R-Shawnee. "This legislation is designed to help our communities and schools become healthier by promoting awareness and personal responsibility. There are no mandates in this bill, but instead options, opportunities and incentives to encourage healthy behavior."

Under the bill, schools could obtain an official "healthy school" designation if they voluntarily provide better nutritional services and physical activities than those in place today.

Towns could also become official "healthy communities" if they provide amenities such as walking trails, farmer's markets and similar benefits for residents.

The bill now goes to the governor for his consideration.