(a) Information available to the General Assembly based upon scientific research data has shown that nonsmokers often receive damage to their health from the smoking of tobacco by others.
(b) Direct smoking of tobacco and indirect smoking of tobacco through inhaling the smoke of those who are smoking nearby are major causes of preventable diseases and death.
(c) Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma, particularly in children, and low birth-weight births.
(d) Implementing laws that prohibit tobacco usage in certain public areas, buildings, and facilities is an effective approach to reducing secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers.
(e) It is therefore declared to be the public policy of this state that the rights of Arkansans be protected in the manner provided in this subchapter.