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Legislature narrowly approves smoking ban, exempts casinos 

The Legislature approved a statewide ban on indoor smoking Tuesday that supporters said would save countless lives, boost public health and protect thousands of Iowa workers.

The bill heads to Gov. Chet Culver, who has pledged to sign it into law. That means thousands of bars, restaurants and other public facilities would become smoke-free by July 1.

"I'm a former smoker and I watched tobacco shorten the lives of both of my parents, so this is personal to me," said Rep. Phil Wise, D-Keokuk. "This is a life and death issue."

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