A bill that would raid the entire $4 million used for anti-smoking advertisig and marketing efforts received a modification in the Senate Wednesday.

HB444, sponsored by Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City, had anti-smoking proponents up in arms over the axing of the ad dollars, saying it cut the legs from under statewide cessation efforts.

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, proposed putting $1.5 million back in, but Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem went a step further - and some said he went too far.

Valentine proposed reinstating $2 million for smoking cessation ads. With the remainiing $2 million, he proposed giving $800,000 to the Leonardo Children's Museum, $800,000 to the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point and $400,000 to the Shakespearean Festival.

It stirred debate on both sides of the issue.

"These dollars would go to education-type projects," said Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan. "Over the long run, they help with cessation."

Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, opposed Valentine's amendment because so many critical needs have gotten cut or gone unfunded due to revenue shortfalls.

"If you're making lists, I want to go through mine too," he said.

In a close vote, the Senate approved the amendment 14 to 12, then went on to pass HB444 25 to 4.

The amended bill returns to the House for further consdieration, but Hillyard held out little hope for its survival.

"We'll have a hard time negotiating in the House," HIllyard said. "But we'll see what we can salvage."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com