Bill Prohibiting Smoking on School Property Passes in Md. Senate

A bill prohibiting smoking on school property passed Friday with an overwhelming majority of the vote in the Maryland Senate.

The bill passed 32 to eight, and now heads to the Maryland House of Delegates.

The current law prohibits the sale or use of tobacco on school grounds. Current regulations require each local school system to maintain a tobacco-free school environment. The sale or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited by everyone, including teachers, other staff and students at all times.

Also, the current law states each school system must post notification to students, staff and the general public that school buildings and grounds are tobacco-free. Students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco in any form on the school premises.

Further stated, smoking is prohibited in any indoor place of employment, including teacher's lounges and other private areas within the school building.

Lawmakers say the current statute does not specifically prohibit smoking on public school property. School property includes the entire school grounds, and surrounding fields.

"Smoking" means the burning of any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other device containing tobacco.

If passed, any person breaking this law would be charged $50 for each violation. Also, if approved officials expect the law to take effect October 1, 2014.