SPRINGFIELD - Problems enforcing the state's indoor smoking ban could be resolved soon, under legislation approved Monday.

The state's smoking ban has been in place for a year, but statewide rules on how to enforce it has eluded officials so far. That's led to at least some confusion when local authorities try to ticket or prosecute offenders.

On Monday, the Illinois House voted 101-12 on more specific rules that describe how the ticketing process works. A first time offender would be fined $100, with $250 for additional offenses.

For the measure to eventually become law, the Senate has to approve Tuesday and Gov. Rod Blagojevich has to follow suit.

Specifics such as the smoking ban rules are often handled routinely by state lawmakers, but in the political gridlock of the past two years, enforcement of the new law became hazy.

"We just never got to do step two," said American Lung Association of Illinois spokeswoman Kathy Drea.

Some local health officials have had to stay away from handing out citations to smokers who were breaking the law. For example, Livingston County Public Health Department administrator MaLinda Hillman said her department hasn't handed out any tickets this year.

Hillman said they've focused on educating smokers about the law, but that legislation approved Monday could lead to enforcement.

The legislation is Senate Bill 2757.