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State Senator Seeks to Prohibit Smoking in Car when Kids Present

An Illinois lawmaker has introduced legislation that'd make it illegal to smoke in a car while a child is present.

Chicago Democratic Senator Ira Silverstein is sponsoring the measure. He says it's aimed at protecting children from secondhand smoke.   The bill would prohibit smoking in a vehicle when a child 18 years or younger is present.  The bill defines smoking as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, weed, plant, regulated narcotic, or other combustible substance. Anyone who violates the measure would face a $100 fine, but police wouldn't be able to pull over drivers simply for a smoking violation.

Last year, lawmakers passed a resolution that encouraged people to not drive and smoke with children in the car, but the measure didn't ban the practice.

The legislation is SB-2659
 

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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