IN Gov Seeks Strict Smoking Ban, is OK with Lighter Bill

Gov. Mitch Daniels says he's prepared to accept a weakened smoking ban if that's what it takes to get something approved before he leaves office.

Daniels said Friday he still prefers a version passed by House lawmakers that would exempt Indiana's gambling industry, private clubs and tobacco and cigar stores from the ban. But Senate lawmakers greatly weakened the measure this week by cutting bars out of the proposed ban and expanding the exemptions approved by the House.

House and Senate negotiators are scheduled to meet Monday to hash out a compromise. The Senate approved a statewide smoking ban for the first time this week after years of House lawmakers approving bans only to see them die in the Senate.

Daniels included the smoking ban in his 2012 legislative agenda.