Assembly Committee Approves Bill To Ban Smoking in Vehicles With Minors
The Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday voted to approve a bill (AB 2997) under which motorists would have to pay fines for smoking in vehicles with young children on board, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports (AP/Contra Costa Times, 5/6). The bill, sponsored by Assembly member Marco Firebaugh (D-South Gate), would prohibit smoking a pipe, cigar or cigarette in a car in which a child was present. Anyone violating the law would be subject to a $25 fine for the first offense and as much as $96 for repeat offenses (California Healthline, 5/5). Initially, the legislation would have made it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 18 years old present, but it was amended to make it easier for police to enforce, Firebaugh spokesperson Juan Torres said. As amended, the bill would prohibit smoking in vehicles with a child who is required to ride in a protective seat -- under California law, anyone younger than age six or who weighs less than 60 pounds. The bill now goes before the full Assembly for consideration (AP/Contra Costa Times, 5/6).
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