The Senate author of a proposed statewide ban on smoking in most indoor public places, including bars and restaurants, says he has given up on the proposal for this session.
Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, told The Associated Press on Tuesday he doesn't have a votes to get it passed before the June 1 end of the legislative session.
Ellis scheduled a news conference for later in the day.
Supporters of the measure, including the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the American Cancer Society and multiple medical groups, said a ban is needed to protect public health.
But the ban ran into strong opposition from civil libertarians and business owners.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
