MS SB2227

Prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places in Mississippi, including restaurants, retail stores, public transportation, health facilities, and sports arenas, effective July 1, 2016.

Prohibits smoking within 20 feet of building entrances and in any indoor or outdoor public facility when persons under 18 years old are engaged in organized athletic events, with exceptions for designated separate areas.

Exempts bars, cigar bars, private clubs, hotel/motel rooms, retail tobacco stores, gaming facilities, and private residences from smoking prohibitions; restaurant bars are exempt if secondhand smoke does not infiltrate prohibited areas.

Establishes civil penalties for violations: $25 for first conviction, $75 for second conviction, and up to $150 for subsequent convictions, enforceable by the State Department of Health and local law enforcement.

Amends existing government building and university/college smoking restrictions to apply to government-owned vehicles, private universities and colleges, and private school buildings; preempts local ordinances except those enacted prior to the bill's passage.