DeKALB | A smoking ban like the one in DeKalb could potentially go statewide.

The Smoke Free Illinois Act (HB0246) will prohibit smoking in public places, require “No Smoking” signs to be posted in public places and will require ashtrays to be removed from public places.

“It’s a bill that’s kind of progressive,” said state Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-70th district). “The trend is toward all public places being smoke free. A lot of citizens really feel it makes their lives more enjoyable and healthful.”

While the bill would outlaw smoking in public places, some nonprofit places would still be able to allow smoking.

“There are some exemptions. It would allow for smoking in private clubs, among other things.”

Though the bill may bring many health benefits, business owners report seeing a decline in profits.

“In Springfield, a number of business owners testified as to how detrimental this has been to their businesses,” Pritchard said. “Many said that the smoking ban would probably cause them to close.”

The bill was first introduced in the House and discussed in the House Environmental Committee.

“The bill came out of committee and is now going to debated on the House floor,” Pritchard said. “I would be very surprised if the House didn’t approve it.”

The real debate may be for health.

“Ultimately, we’ve got to err on the side of health and keep secondhand smoke out of people’s lives,” Pritchard said.

The city of DeKalb has already levied its verdict on this issue.

“DeKalb was a little bit ahead of everybody with the ban, and now statewide legislation has been introduced,” DeKalb Mayor Van Buer. “It’s something that DeKalb can be proud of.”