A statewide smoking ban moved a step closer to a vote in the full Assembly Tuesday, although it faces an uphill battle with Assembly leadership.

The Assembly Public Health Committee approved Assembly Bill 834, which would ban smoking inside public spaces in the state, in a 6-3 vote.

Doug Parrott, clerk for the committee, said state Committee Chair Rep. J.A. Hines, R-Oxford, supported the legislation.

Parrott said state Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, is attempting to persuade Assembly leaders to bring the bill up for a vote in the full Assembly.

Assembly Republican leaders have previously stated they oppose the bill and it would adversely affect state taverns. The regular session of the Legislature also ends next week.