Supporters of an indoor-smoking ban in New Hampshire are optimistic that the measure could pass the state legislature this year, the Associated Press reported Jan. 24.

The measure has received support from Dartmouth College medical students and doctors as well as Rep. Sheila T. Francoeur (R-Hampton), who had opposed similar bills in past years. Francoeur said that the fact that neighboring Massachusetts and Maine have now banned smoking in restaurants and bars mooted her concerns about the measure's economic impact. "This is no longer an economic issue; this is a health issue," said Francoeur, who is now a sponsor of the bill.

The plan still faces opposition from some restaurant and bar owners, although the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association has not yet taken a stance on the bill.

If the bill, HB1177, is signed into law, New Hampshire would become the 12th state in the U.S. to outlaw most indoor smoking. The bill is currently in the House Commerce Committee.