The Mississippi Senate has passed a bill that bans smoking in government buildings.

The legislation began as a proposal to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants. However, the bill was changed in a Senate committee to almost mirror current law.

Sen. Hillman Frazier, a Democrat from Jackson who is a member of the Senate Public Health Committee, says the bill gives the House something work with if members in that chamber want to reinsert stronger language.

The bill now moves to the House.

The bill is Senate Bill 2726.