March 10, 2023

Assemblyman Sauickie Announced His Support Mid-Hearing, Earning a Standing Ovation from Audience That was Nearly Unanimously in Favor of the Bill 

On Thursday, March 9, Atlantic City casino workers and a diverse coalition of supporters of legislation to close the casino smoking loophole testified at a joint-hearing at the State House in Trenton. The hearing was held by the Assembly Health Committee and the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. The newest co-sponsors brings the total number of cosponsors of the bill to 84 legislators. S264 in the Senate has gained 26 co-sponsors, and its identical counterpart in the Assembly, A2151, is now co-sponsored by 58 assembly members.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has repeatedly said he will sign the legislation when it reaches his desk, saying “At the end of the day, we will still get good business. Atlantic City is an American gem. We’ve got the ocean and the other competitors don’t. And this is the right thing for our respective health.”

March 9 Hearing Coverage

Audio of the entire hearing that took place is here

  1. Associated Press: Dealers with cancer beg for Atlantic City casino smoking ban
  2. NJ.com: Atlantic City casino smoking ban proposal gets another passionate hearing, but no vote is set
  3. NJ Spotlight News: Lawmakers hear arguments over smoking ban in NJ casinos 
  4. NorthJersey.com: Why won’t the NJ Legislature move to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos?
  5. ABC Philadelphia: Lawmakers debate casino smoking ban
  6. New Jersey Globe: Casino smoking bill has second hearing, but still no scheduled vote
  7. News 12 New Jersey: Workers speak at hearing to potentially ban smoking inside Atlantic City casinos
  8. Play NJ: NJ Lawmakers Double Down On Support Of Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban
  9. NJBiz: Casino smoking ban gains momentum as Assembly holds hearing
  10. WTAJ: Dealers with cancer beg for Atlantic City casino smoking ban