SAMANTHA YOUNG
Associated Press Writer
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California lawmakers on Thursday will consider what is believed to be the nation’s most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks as a way to get unsightly cigarette butts off the beach, eliminate second-hand smoke and reduce the threat of wildfires.
Maine banned smoking at its state beaches last year, but groups that track such legislation say no state prohibits lighting up throughout its entire park system, as the California bill proposes.
Under a legislative compromise, campsites and parking areas will be exempted from the ban.