LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Senate and House have passed a smoking ban Thursday, with exceptions for three Detroit casinos that have to compete with tribal casinos not affected by the ban.

The bill will now be sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk, which she has already said she plans on signing.

The Democrat-led House passed the ban by a 75-30 vote Thursday. It mirrors a version passed by the Republican-led Senate earlier in the day. Thursday's Senate vote was 24-13; one senator was absent.

The ban would take effect in May 2010. It applies to all bars, restaurants and workplaces except for the Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty stores, home offices and motor vehicles.

Lawmakers had squabbled for years over what should be included in the ban.

With Granholm's signature, Michigan would become the 38th state to limit smoking in public places such as government buildings and bars and restaurants, according to Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, who has kept alive the push for a statewide smoking ban. He favors a total ban, but was satisfied with the progress so far.

"We've moved the ball down the court, and even scored a basket," he said of Thursday's vote. "We haven't scored a three-pointer."

"It will be a great day in this state when we are totally, 100 percent smoke free ... (but) I'm very proud of what we've done today," he said.

Some people also said they are looking forward to enjoying cleaner air.

"I don't particularly care for the smell of cigarette smoke in my clothes or on me," said Mike Rygiewicz who is a non-smoker.

Several senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said they objected to the ban because it intruded on decisions bar and restaurant owners should make based on their customers' desires.

"This is a blatant overreach by government," Bishop said.

Some smokers also voiced their concerns.

"I don't necessarily think (the bill) is a wrong thing because it does prevent a lot of second-hand smoking, but it sucks for me because I'm a smoker," Mary Pitylak said.

Some non-smokers also criticized the new smoking ban.

"I think it's outrageous that there is legislation telling business owners whether or not they can allow people to smoke inside their establishments," Lynn Benoit said.

Moments after the bill passed, a group call Make MIair Smokefree sent out a letter to the media stating that it was thrilled with the legislators for passing the bill.

“Legislators have given Michigan workers the greatest gift of all - the ability to breathe smokefree air in the workplace,” said Susan Schechter, CSA spokesperson and director of advocacy at the American Lung Association of Michigan. “We have spent more than a decade fighting for the health of Michigan workers and our efforts have finally prevailed.”

Among nearby states, only Indiana doesn't have some type of smoking ban in place.

SoundOff Below: