South Dakota - statewide smoking ban trial date moved to mid-November..

October 7, 2009 - South Dakota's statewide smoking ban has now made its way to a courtroom. Both sides of the issue gathered Tuesday in Hughes County where they heard from a judge for the first time.

The statewide smoking ban has been a red hot issue since state lawmakers passed the law seven months ago. One of the decisions made Tuesday by the judge is that the American Cancer Society can join the case. The organization argues that the smoking ban should be in effect now and not put to a vote because of the immediate health benefits.

"I think it is important we get back to that threshold issue of, did the legislature intend this to go into effect? Should this go into effect because of the public health preservation?" Jennifer Stalley of the American Cancer Society said.

Both sides also worked out how many petition signatures the smoking ban opponents are short of in order to refer the issue to a public vote. Larry Mann now says his cause is just 54 signatures short, and he's confident the court could review and approve enough to send the issue to the ballot box.

“We think so. Obviously, our opponents don't. But it's one of those complicated issues not knowing how a judge will rule," Mann said.

The trial date has now been moved back to mid-November, and after Tuesday's motions hearing, both sides are still confident the law is on their side. (The judge also reset the trial for Nov. 12-13, three weeks later than it had been previously scheduled. She also put off further arguments on motions until the first morning of the trial.)

"We're prepared to make a strong case that we've got a lot of signatures that ought to be included in that count," Mann said.

"I think we're confident South Dakota will eventually become smoke free. We just are working to make that happen sooner rather than later," Stalley said.

If the smoking ban does go up for a public vote, it would likely happen in November of 2010.

Reference: Cancer Society Joins Smoking Ban Battle, Keloland.com, 10/6/2009; Group will be part of smoking ban court case in November by Bob Mercer, American News Correspondent, 10/7/2009.

Developments - related news briefs:
South Dakota - trial delayed in fight to enforce smoking ban..;
South Dakota - new judge appointed in the smoking ban dispute..
South Dakota - ACS wants smoking ban passed by legislature to begin ASAP..
South Dakota - opponents of smoking ban gain a delay..;
South Dakota - petition rejected - state smoking ban to take effect..;
South Dakota - Secretary of State's Office still counting disputed signatures on the smoking ban petitions..;
South Dakota - anti-smoking leaders challenge petition..;
South Dakota - smoking ban to start July 1, 2009 may be delayed..;
South Dakota - opponents try to stop extended smoking ban..;
South Dakota - extends smoking ban effective July 1, 2009...