Another Lawmaker Tries to Ban Smoking in Cars When Kids are Present

(KCPW News) For the fifth year in a row, some Utah lawmakers will attempt to ban drivers from smoking with their kids in the car. Democratic Representative Patrice Arent is sponsoring the bill this time around. Utah law already prohibits smoking in restaurants, schools, day cares and other public buildings, but Arent says it shouldn’t stop there.

“The place that is the most harmful, the place where you’ve got the audience that’s going to be hurt the most is a car with kids with developing lungs.” Arent says. “More than public buildings, more than restaurants, that’s the most dangerous from a health care perspective.”

 It would be a secondary offense to smoke in a car with someone 15 years old or younger. The fine would be up to $45 dollars, but it could be waived if the violator enrolls in a smoking cessation class.

Dr. Kevin Nelson is the head of PASS, Pediatricians Against Secondhand Smoke. He says exposing kids to cigarette smoke puts them at risk of future addiction.

 “So we may actually be priming the pump for children to start smoking later.” He says. “And what we want to do as pediatricians and with the community is prevent the health problems and the cost associated with smoking that children and families bare.”

 Although the legislation has failed many times before, Arent says this year she’s introducing the bill early, hoping to get it through the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Republican Senator John Valentine is sponsoring her bill in the Senate.