Senate panel blocks bid to toughen restrictions on smoking

Publication Date: 2008-06-12

• Author:AP
• Publication:www.kplctv.com

A Senate committee has blocked a proposal to toughen Louisiana's restriction on smoking inside a car or truck while a child is present.

Representative Walker Hines' bill would prohibit smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe while a child younger than 16 is present -- up from the current prohibition that covers children 13 and younger.

Hines, of New Orleans, says the change would save the state money in health care costs, as children face less secondhand tobacco smoke in an enclosed vehicle.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 3-2 to block the House-backed bill (House Bill 1021) from reaching the full Senate.