IU Southeast mulls fining repeat smoking offenders

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast next year would fine offenders of its 2-year-old smoking ban under a proposal that's been sent students, faculty and staff.

The proposal sent last week calls for issuing citations to smokers for first-time offenses and imposing a $15 fine for a second offense.

Violators could avoid the fine if they complete a one-hour smoking-cessation session within 30 days or spend an hour picking up cigarette butts on the New Albany campus.

A mandatory $30 fine would be imposed for a third offense and each additional offense.

Campus vice chancellor for administration and finance Dana Wavle says the its Tobacco Free Task Force is looking for tougher enforcement to overcome a large amount of noncompliance with the policy.