ALBANY - State lawmakers have approved legislation to ban smoking in all college dormitories, including private schools, citing health and fire risks.

The State University trustees banned smoking in state college dorms last summer, and some private universities have done the same. Sponsors say many private colleges offer the option of smoke-free dorms but demand often exceeds supply, and the rate of smoking among college students has increased “sharply” in the past decade.

The bill would take effect Aug. 15 and also apply to vocational schools, with an exemption for college-owned off-campus housing whose residents are not registered undergraduates.

Gov. David Paterson has the bill under review.