Lawmakers to discuss including e-cigarettes in Wisconsin's smoking ban

MADISON (AP) — Lawmakers are set to reignite conversations this week about whether vaping — using electronic cigarettes and other vapor smoking devices — should be included in Wisconsin's smoking ban.

The ban took effect in 2010. It outlaws smoking in all public indoor locations, including restaurants and bars. But the ban does not currently apply to vaping, giving venue owners the right to decide whether or not to permit e-cigarettes.

Democratic Rep. Debra Kolste of Janesville says because the indoor smoking ban has been so successful, the bill seemed like common sense.

But the bill will face Republican opposition. Rep. Joel Kleefisch, a Republican from Oconomowoc, says he will introduce a bill to protect e-cigarettes from the ban.