Former Southeastern State Legislators' Views on Public Smoke-free Policies

Objectives: We examined influences on state legislators' actions related to public tobacco-free policies. Methods: In 2014, we contacted 102 former southeastern state legislators who served within the past 5 years to complete phone-based semi-structured interviews; 26 participated (61.5% Democrat; 38.5% Republican). Results: Common reasons cited for less progressive policy adoption included: tobacco's legacy in the South; preferences for local government legislation; concern about smoke-free bar/restaurant policies jeopardizing businesses; enforcement challenges; perceiving constituent indifference; and political controversy and leveraging. Most opposed imposing policies in personal settings (eg, multiunit housing) and had few insights regarding emerging tobacco products. Conclusions: Addressing misconceptions and gaps in knowledge regarding smoke-free policies, as well as greater constituent engagement, may garner legislator support.