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Health

Calif. Smoking Ban At State Parks On Governor's Desk

Legislation seeking to ban smoking at state beaches and parks throughout California is on its way to the governor's desk.

The state Senate voted 21-15 on Thursday in favor of the ban, which was approved previously by the Assembly.

Jeff Macedo, a spokesman for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, says the governor has not yet taken a position on it.

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Hundreds of communities nationwide have enacted similar bans at municipal parks and local beaches. But anti-smoking groups say no state has banned smoking throughout its entire park system.

The bill's author, Democratic Sen. Jenny Oropeza of Long Beach, says the ban would reduce litter, the threat of wildfire and second-hand smoke.

The tobacco industry argued the bill would infringe on smokers' rights.