(01/09/06) TRENTON ? The New Jersey Assembly voted overwhelmingly Monday in favor of a measure that would ban indoor smoking throughout the state.

The Smoke Free Air Act passed just before 3 p.m. by a count of 64 votes to 12. Supporters of the bill say an indoor smoking ban will improve the health and well being of all Garden State residents. In addition, supporters hope the movement to ban indoor smoking spreads throughout the United States.

The measure now heads to Acting Governor Dick Codey?s (D) desk. Codey has already stated he will sign the bill. The act does not include casino floors in New Jersey.

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