Stumbo's bill would target smokers in cars with children

Publication Date: 2011-01-12

• Author:Valarie Honeycutt Spears
• Publication:Lexington Herald-Leader

Smoking in a vehicle where a child under 17 is present would be illegal under a bill filed by House Speaker Greg Stumbo.

A person in a vehicle with a child could not smoke "cigars, cigarettes or other tobacco in any form" under House Bill 216.

The legislation, which is similar to laws in four other states, would create a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. If the law is passed, there would be a probationary period until January 1, 2012. During that time, courtesy warnings would be issued instead of tickets.

Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said he filed the measure after discussing the issue with his wife, Mary Karen.

"We were in a parking lot recently and noticed that the parents of young children got into their vehicle while continuing to smoke," Stumbo said. "It was a cold day, and they had no intention of lowering the windows. She and I couldn't believe it."