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Correctional Facilities Ready For Full Ban On Indoor Smoking  

Voluntary smoking cessation programs at two state correctional facilities have proven successful in the first months of implementation as the Department readies for a full ban on indoor smoking by August 15, 2009.

State correctional facilities are on target to comply with the Louisiana Smokefree Air Act, passed by the Louisiana Legislature in 2006. However, a provision in the law gave state correctional facilities more time to implement the indoor smoking ban.

Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. Le Blanc says the Department has revised its smoking policy for both offenders and staff and educational programs and training have been implemented department-wide. Smoking inside areas of public buildings and places of employment operated by the Department, including work release programs, is prohibited for all employees, visitors and offenders beginning August 15, 2009.

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