The threat to children’s health presented by second hand smoke has become a wide spread topic of discussion. WEAR out of Pensacola reports that there is a potential law that is slowly moving through the Florida legislature where people who smoke in their cars with kids under 13 could be stopped by police. This past Tuesday it passed a state senate health committee. The new bill would have people fined for the non-moving violation range from 116 to 129 dollars. State Senator Arthenia Joyner supports the bill. She thinks it will help children. It wouldn’t be the first time a law like this was passed in the United States. Seven other states and Puerto Rico enforce a ban on smoking with a child in the car. The only difference comes down to the age that is enforced.
|
STATE |
MINIMUM AGE * |
|
Arkansas |
6 |
|
California |
18 |
|
Louisiana |
13 |
|
Maine |
16 |
|
Oregon |
18 |
|
Puerto Rico |
18 |
|
Utah |
15 |
|
Vermont |
8 |
One of our state Senators is a co-sponsor to this bill. Don Gaetz said even though some might say the bill amounts to government intrusion into people’s lives, he favors it because the children don’t have a choice about whether to be in a car and suffer the possible smoking-related health effect
Opponents said it’s government over-reach.
The legislation would take effect October 1st if it is approved.
Don’t forget, if you or a loved one are injured in an accident call the attorneys at Brannon & Brannon.
Source: http://www.weartv.com//news/features/featured/stories/lighting-up-your-kid-car-may-get-you-pulled-over-11923.shtml#.VRw8P_nF98E
