Senate passes ban on smoking with kids in car

Associated Press

Updated: Jan 31, 2013 4:23 PM

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate has passed legislation making it illegal for adults to smoke with kids in the car.

The vote on Sen. Ralph Northam's bill was 30-10. It now goes to the House of Delegates, which historically is less receptive to such restrictions.

The Norfolk Democrat is a pediatric neurologist. He said on the Senate floor Thursday that second-hand smoke can contribute to a variety of health problems in children, including sudden infant death syndrome.

Northam's bill would prohibit smoking in a vehicle in the presence of a child under the age of 15. The offense would be charged as a traffic infraction punishable by a $100 fine.
 

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