Prohibits smoking on platforms of the Long Island and Metro North railroads

BILL NUMBER:S2997

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting smoking on platforms of the Long Island and Metro North railroads

Purpose or general idea of the bill

To prohibit smoking in ticketing, boarding, or platform areas for the Long Island and Metro North railroads.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill renumbers various provisions of the clean indoor air act. Section 2 prohibits smoking in ticketing, boarding, or platform areas for the Long Island and Metro North railroads.

Justification

Secondhand smoke is known to be extremely dangerous. In fact in the united States alone, each year second hand smoke is responsible for: an estimated 46,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers, about 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults, other breathing problems in non-smokers, including coughing, mucus, chest discomfort, and reduced lung function, 150,000 to 300,000 lung infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) in children younger than 18 months of age, which result in 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations annually, increases in the number and severity of asthma attacks in about 200,000 to 1 million children who have asthma and more than 750,000 middle ear infections in children.

Expanding the smoking ban to areas of both the Long Island and Metro North railroads will help protect these riders from exposure to second hand smoke. It is not uncommon to see riders on these platforms move away from individuals who are smoking so as to not expose themselves to harmful second hand smoke. It is important to note that currently smoking is banned on all subway platforms in New York City, as well as on platforms in New Jersey.

Legislative history

04/02/10 Referred to Health 06/03/10 Reported Referred to Codes 06/17/10 Amend and Recommit to Codes 06/17/10 Print Number 10500A

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.