INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana state Rep. Charlie Brown said he intends to propose a statewide smoking ban next session, a move that has the support of Governor Mitch Daniels, the Courier & Press reports.

"I'm a very big supporter of anything that helps people avoid cigarettes," Daniels said. "I would say each year there's been growing public support for (a ban) and so I think there's a chance next year."

Brown co-sponsored a bill last session that would have placed a statewide ban on smoking in public places, but the Senate??s Public Policy Committee voted it down, expressing dislike for the added exemptions for bars, casinos, nursing homes, fraternal clubs and smoke shops.

Opponents to the bill said the marketplace should determine which restaurants or retailers are smoke-free and which ones allow people to smoke.

Mike Smith, executive director of the Casino Association of Indiana, said a statewide smoking ban would have a negative economic impact on the casino industry, losing roughly $108 million in tax revenue.

Brown has tried to pass a ban for six years, with each debate being dominated by exemptions. He maintains the only exemption should be for casinos because of the revenue they generate for the state.