HARTFORD, Conn.—Despite opposition from the state's two federally recognized tribes, the legislature is moving ahead with a bill that bans smoking in their casinos.
After a lengthy debate that included a two-hour Republican filibuster, the Senate voted 24-11 to create a committee to work with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans to negotiate a smoking ban next year.
The bill moves to the House of Representatives. But House Speaker Jim Amann said he likely won't bring it up for a vote.
Proponents say the state has the responsibility to protect workers at the casino from exposure to second-hand smoke, even though the tribes are sovereign nations. But opponents are concerned the smoking ban will hurt casino revenues and ultimately reduce the state's share of the slot machine revenues.
