This time in Iowa (and update on something you saw on the SNS first – before it made the news):

DES MOINES — Smoking will continue to be a hot topic this week as lawmakers enter the home stretch of the legislative session.

Legislators also are expected to take up a consumer protection measure and health care issues.

A proposed smoking ban has been a surprise focal point of the Legislature this session, and that will continue in the coming days.

The House and Senate have approved measures restricting smoking, with the Senate ban far more restrictive.

The Senate has twice rejected House-backed exemptions for bars and restaurants, and this week the House likely will stand by its version. That will send the matter to a House-Senate conference committee, which will seek a compromise.

There are differing views about how quickly the matter could be settled.

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