RALEIGH, N.C. -- A proposed ban on smoking inside all state government-operated vehicles has cleared a key House committee after members rejected a proposal to allow some exceptions.

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A House judiciary panel approved Tuesday a measure that would ban smoking in all state-owned or state-leased vehicles. Democratic Sen. Bill Purcell of Scotland County said the proposal is a health issue for state employees.

    

The committee voted against an amendment by House Minority Leader Paul Stam of Wake County that would have allowed smoking inside older state cars - provided the employee was assigned the car on a permanent basis. And other people inside the car would have to consent before the driver could smoke.

     

The bill now heads to the full House. The Senate already has approved a version of the bill.