Calif. state parks would be smoke-free (mostly) if Legislature passes landmark bill

Calif. considers smoking ban at all state parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are considering what is believed to be the nation’s most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks.

Under a bill being considered Thursday, smoking would be prohibited at state beaches and all other state parks.

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.

The bill’s author, Democratic state Sen. Jenny Oropeza of Long Beach, wants to get unsightly cigarette butts off the beach, eliminate second-hand smoke and reduce the threat of wildfires.

Campsites and parking areas would be exempted from the ban, which is opposed by the tobacco industry.