RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine said amendments that substantially diluted a compromise to sharply curb smoking in Virginia restaurants breached a deal he made with House Republican leaders.
Kaine wouldn’t commit Tuesday to vetoing the measure if the House amendments remain, but he was clear that they are unpalatable.
In the governor’s words, “We need to get the bill back to the deal.“
He particularly disliked a Republican amendment that would exempt any restaurant off-limits to minors from the smoking restrictions.
Other amendments weakened requirements to create separately ventilated smoking rooms in eateries and exempt restaurants rented for private, invitation-only events.
Both bills now head to the Senate where amendments await.
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