Iowa prisons to ban smoking in 2009

By The Associated Press | Friday, May 09, 2008

DES MOINES — Iowa’s prisons are going smoke-free, despite an exemption from the state’s new statewide smoking ban.

Prison spokesman Fred Scaletta says officials are concerned about the rising cost of health care for inmates and banning smoking will cut those bills.

Three prisons already ban tobacco — Clarinda, Oakdale and Mount Pleasant.

The ban for all prisons will start in early 2009. The statewide smoking ban in most public places begins July 1 for bars, restaurants and other places.

Prison officials say they are using the exemption to gain extra time to establish a smoke-free environment for the system’s 8,600 inmates.

Scaletta says Jan. 1 is the tentative quitting date. The ban will cover every prison, including cellhouses and prison yards. Classes to help inmates quit will be offered.