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Bill Bans Smoking In Cars With Kids Present

Bill Bans Smoking In Cars With Kids Present

By KBJR News 1

Story Updated: Feb 25, 2009

Smoking is already banned in places like bars where only adults can go, so some Minnesota lawmakers say it only makes sense to outlaw smoking in vehicles when children are present.

A Senate committee approved the bill Wednesday after a doctor
and an 11-year-old asthma sufferer testified that children are
especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke in a car.

Sen. Sandy Pappas, a Democrat from St. Paul, says her bill isn't
meant to catch parents in the act.

Instead, she says having a law will help educate people about the potential health hazards.

The bill would make the violation a secondary offense, meaning a
law enforcement officer would first need another reason to pull
over a motorist.

One person testified against the bill, saying it was another
example of government trying to trample on people's rights.

Nicole says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:27 AM

Commenter

As much as people who choose to smoke have rights, those who choose not to smoke also have rights.

Crysta says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 9:18 AM

Commenter

I think it's time for a law like this, children should not be forced to breath in toxins. I would push for this not to be a secondary offense, it should be reason enough to pull a person over.

polly says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 11:42 AM

Commenter

i am 15 year old in all my life i smell smok in i am trying to live heath lift i dont even smok my self i well pray that thay well put a law for smoking becaue i count not stand it thay need to make the law fist for people die.

Emily says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 12:02 PM

Commenter

Its bills like this that make people hate the government. I understand most children dont have a choice but please enough is enough. they might as well make smoking illegal then because it is only going to progress to smokers not having anywhere to go. this is a trample on our rights whether you smoke or not who is to tell you what you can and cannot do in your own vehicle.

Joe says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 1:22 PM

Commenter

Just a reminder that seatbelt laws started out as a secondary offense too. How long before the government controls every aspect of our lives. I am a democrat and still believe that we cannot and should not control people and their decisions. I also think that if you are a parent you shouldn't need a law to tell you not to put your kids in harms way. Let's gain some self regulation people.

dk says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 3:23 PM

Commenter

Problem is if this passes then what freedom is next. Once we start down that path, who knows where it will end.

Tiff says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 3:41 PM

Commenter

I believe this law is rediculous. Who are they to say what is harmful to our children? If that's the case, than I think it should be illegal to drink alcohol in front of your kids. What about bowling alleys that allow smoking, will smokers be ticketed there when we are at a childs birthday party? What about the alcoholics that expose their children to harm everyday?

Kate says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 4:44 PM

Commenter

We should all be concerned that 15 year old Polly doesn't know how to spell! See her post listed below!

Genelle says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 7:13 PM

Commenter

As a smoker of too many years- I agree 100% with this. Children shouldn't have to be around smoke. We don't smoke around or in front of our children. The only ones that are complaining need to think of someone else other than themselves.

Tina says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:43 PM

Commenter

Why do those of you who do smoke in a vehicle where a child is a passenger find it neccesary to expose them to toxins like carbon monoxide and arsenic so you can feed your nic fit? Your reasoning is invalid and nonsensical. You need to spark up so badly that you can't think of the child whose heatlh you are putting at risk? Shame Shame.

Kiera says ...

On Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:47 PM

Commenter

As a teenager I think that you ignorant people that say "Oh well then let's drink in front of our kids then." No that's worse, its traumatizing to kids to see that happening with their parentals. So you really want to ruin your child's health in the long run, like second hand smoke. Think again people, no wonder why people think that American's are unhealthy.

Tiff says ...

On Friday, Feb 27 at 9:15 AM

Commenter

...and another thing, what about the parents who choose to smoke in their homes? Are the police going to be kicking down front doors to ticket those people. I think our police force has more important things to deal with, like drunk drivers, child abusers, drug dealers, and so on. Let us get our priorities straight people, and worry about the things that really matter.

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