The state House yesterday took a small step toward reaching a compromise on a bill to ban smoking in public places and work places, which could include bars and casinos.

House members voted to insist on the tougher version of a smoking ban they had passed in July.

That action means the bill must be reconciled, through a House-Senate conference committee, with a looser version passed by the Senate that has more exceptions where smoking would be allowed.

The House bill would ban smoking in state casinos, while the Senate bill would allow smoking on 25 percent of the gambling floor.

Three members from the House and three from the Senate will be named soon to the committee.

Mr. DeWeese said he thinks the committee can adopt a compromise that will be approved by both chambers by Dec. 12, when the Legislature recesses for the holidays.