Lawmakers also disagreed over whether bars and restaurants should be exempt. Some said consumers are already making their choices known, with an increasing number of businesses going smoke-free on their own. They argued that trend should continue without a state mandate.

Backers of the ban said exempting bars and restaurants would leave the measure without meaning, since most workplaces and public facilities are already smoke-free.

Olson argued that “99.9 percent of Iowa’s public places and 99.9 percent of Iowa’s work force would be protected” under the compromise.

Culver initially asked lawmakers to approve a local option feature that would allow local governments to enact their own tough smoking restrictions. Aides said Culver still favored that approach but would sign the measure.