Oregon Senate votes to ban smoking in car with kids
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Adults who smoke in a car with a child could face hundreds of dollars in fines under a bill approved Wednesday in the Oregon Senate.
If the House gives its approval and Gov. John Kitzhaber signs the bill, Oregon would join four other states with similar measures. Violators would face a maximum fine of $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.
The Senate's 19-10 vote Wednesday did not follow party lines.
Proponents said secondhand smoke is harmful, and minors shouldn't be subjected to health hazards because of their parents' decision to smoke. They say smoke can be trapped inside a vehicle and pool in the back seat where children often sit.
"Secondhand smoke is dangerous, and it's especially dangerous for children, more dangerous still when it's enclosed in a confined space," said Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, the bill's chief sponsor and a family physician in Portland.
Critics say the state shouldn't be limiting people's liberties or telling parents how to raise their children. The bill exceeds government's role and creates a "nanny state" that micromanages citizens' lives, they said.
"The reason I'm opposing this is not that smoking in cars is a good idea," said Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg. "The reason I'm opposing this is, how dare government tell me what I'm going to do in my own car."
Kruse said he's a smoker but called it a "terrible habit" and said he never smoked in the car with his children.
Not all conservatives agreed. Republican Sen. Fred Girod, of Stayton, said he opposes bills he believes create a "nanny state," but the smoking ban is different because it seeks to protect children from decisions they can't control. He voted for the measure, Senate Bill 444.
The violation would be a secondary offense, so drivers could only be ticketed if they were pulled over for another reason.
Arkansas, California, Louisiana and Maine have enacted similar legislation, along with several cities and counties around the country, according to Global Advisers on Smoke-free Policy, and advocacy group.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
well said Rob!
All I see is more out of control Government! one more reason to pull you over with no cause.
I am a no-smoker with COPD I tell you more laws will not fix this! if this is the case time to give up cars and factories. Stop pushing more revenue ideas and cut some pay for the government. People need to get out of the business of others.
I agree with the ban!! its a form of abuse to smoke in the same area with a child or any other vulnerable person!!
would have loved this when I was a kid!
So the people that are against this think its their right to smoke where ever they want even if its damaging a child who doesn't have a say so?well I hope this law passes just for you and I hope it's a big fine if your judgement is that poor that your selfish addiction is more important than your kids health.
Once you have a child, your life is no longer just about you. Some parents dont grasp that concept. If this is what it takes to protect a few helpless kids from the harmful smoke, then I am for it!!
Keep pushing the people Mr. Government -can we the people Think for our self
I say boo on that. Too much government telling the citizens what to do. And no I don't smoke or around children in cars. Government needs to stop. What's next no farting in the car.
U just jelly
My baby has so much 420swag
Is this for cigarettes or weed? I want my baby all 420'd out yolo
It's about time!!!
Always grateful my folks didn't smoke & force me to live with second hand smoke....
I'll be damed if the state is going to tell me I can't smoke in my own car. The government is getting to big for its britches and needs to be put in its place.
this state can kiss my ass i will smoke where i want
What does this say about parents rights to make poor decisions...the perpetuation of the nanny state...
So I dont subject my kids to second hand smoke, Pat on the back for me. BUT I dont like the idea of the cops having one more reason to screw with people and get more money!!! This is not about the safetyof kids, if it was they would have just banned ciggarettes all together. WAKE UP America!!!
Hell yea I agree!!
It's a good thing but one more way for the government to control people. What will it be next.???
Its a great idea but add in that smoking in the house with children also and dont forget pregannt women who smoke. Make it fair all the way around.
sock to all the selfish parents who smoke with their kids in the car. !!! they should have never had children if they are that shelfish. some folks should get to the nearest spay and castration clinic.
Oh LORD yes, let the government be our nanny and save us from ourselves. Soon the adult population won't have to make a decision about anything - the all knowing government will have made the laws to preserve our best interests! And, btw, where are they going to find the funding to enforce such bans? Take away from the funding for our dope runners? Totally ludicrous.
No
why would u smoke in the car with the kids anyway. how stupid is that! Yes you may smoke , but really you would like your kids to inhale second hand smoke wtf is wrong with people! it should have been against the law ages ago! It is for the best interest of the children because apparently adults dont have enough brain power to not do it around the children who have no say so or control over it , it is very unfair for the kids!
Finally.
I understand the health risk to smoking in the car but dont feel its right that our goverment has that much control
Nanny state. What will they want to control next. And we are definite non-smokers who won't allow it in our home or in our cars.
What about when the kids get home and the parents smoke in the house? People need to use their own brains.
GOOD!
Hell yea. Bout time.
Absolutely!
Yes!!!
Absolutely!! Fantastic!
Yes! Finally.