Smoking in cars with minor present; civil penalty. (HB186)

Introduced By

Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Smoking in cars with minor present; civil penalty. Makes it unlawful for a person to smoke in a motor vehicle, whether in motion or at rest, in which a child under the age of 13 is present, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/07/2010Committee
01/07/2010Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/10 10101707D
01/07/2010Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety
01/18/2010Impact statement from DPB (HB186)
01/19/2010Assigned MPPS sub: #2
01/21/2010Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/16/2010Left in Militia, Police and Public Safety

Comments

Karen Cole writes:

Are we kidding here Del. Morrissey?!?!? You are going to keep a parent from smoking around their child in the car. Is the home next? Are we going to outlaw smoking all together? How about we run all smokers out of town with lighted torches and pitchforks? Can we put that in the bill too?!?!?!

I don’t even smoke and I am outraged on behalf of smokers. I can see how this bill infringes on an individual's rights on so many levels. Let's hope the committee will as well.

robert legge writes:

I don't know Karen. Seems pretty reasonable to me. Child endangerment and all. How is it not all that much different from not putting your kids in child seats? That said, it won't pass.

joyce sweet writes:

Whats next if you are at dinner and have a glass of wine with your familyand get in your car with your children in the car I,m I going to pay a fine for that too whats next, I thought I lived in a free country not sure anymore!!!!!!

Lisa writes:

Joyce,
Let's hope that your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. If you are driving in a car and exposing your children to harm - you should be charged and fined. Just like exposing your children to endangerment when driving while above the legal limit.

Peggy writes:

I don't understand why you guys are opposed to this bill. you can choose whether or not to smoke, but have you asked your child whether or not they want to breathe in your exhaled smoke? Or if they want live with chronic lung disease because when they were little the parents that were to protect them from all dangers, exposed them to 2nd hand smoke and so now they have asthma, or even lung cancer! hmmm you have a right to choose...what about your child?