A subcommittee in the Virginia House of Delegates has voted down a bill that would have banned most indoor smoking in the state, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Feb. 24.

The House General Laws subcommittee voted 6-0 against the bill sponsored by Sen. Brandon Bell (R-Roanoke County), which was previously passed by the state Senate. Backers were undeterred, saying they would try to get the measure voted on in the full committee, or reintroduce it next year. "We've been delighted with the public support," said Donna Reynolds of the American Lung Association of Virginia.

The subcommittee heard testimony from three supporters and five opponents of the bill; the latter included a lobbyist for R.J. Reynolds, based in Virginia, who said a ban would hurt the company's ability to market its products.

"I would agree people have a right not to breathe secondhand smoke," said Delegate John A. Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake), who voted against the bill. "But that right is brought about by their feet. They have a right not to go somewhere where there is smoking. They have a right and a responsibility to take care of themselves."