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Bill Banning Smoking In Cars With Kids Inside Clears Another Hurdle

MGN Online

A bill making it illegal for adults to smoke in the vehicle where certain minors are present is close to heading to the Senate floor, after passing another committee Tuesday.

Sen. Jeff Clemens’ (D-Lake Worth) bill would make it a nonmoving violation for anyone smoking a tobacco product in a motor vehicle in the presence of a child under 13 years of age. The bill’s co-sponsor is  Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).

“Unlike a bar or a café or a meeting where people who might not like to be around somebody who smokes can walk out the door. In this case, you have children who are trapped,” said Gaetz. “They don’t have a choice. They’re strapped in a car seat or put in the back seat or they’ve got their seatbelt on. And, some adult is driving 30 or 40 or 50 or 70 miles an hour and the child can’t get out. And, so, that’s where I draw the line.”

The measure passed the Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously. It has one more stop before heading to the Senate floor.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.