By Cheril Lee
Omaha, NE – Omaha Senator Jeremy Nordquist recently introduced LB313, a bill that would ensure all public schools are 100% tobacco free.
He says the bill aims to promote the health and well-being of the students and staff of public school districts. Nordquist's bill would prohibit the use of tobacco products on-campus and at off-campus, school-sponsored events. Senator Nordquist says there is a need for these types of policies. He says, "we have statistics that show only about a fourth of schools prohibit tobacco use at all times on campus and off-campus, at off-campus events. And only about two-thirds of schools prohibit tobacco use on school grounds. So there are a third of districts out there that still allow tobacco products to be used on school property. And that exposure to our students will set a bad example for the future."
Senator Nordquist says he learned about the issue through a presentation by the CDC at a Live Well Omaha Conference. He says the CDC highlighted the fact that other states were moving toward statewide policies on tobacco use for schools.
He says the bill is expected to go up for a hearing before the education committee in the next couple of weeks.