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News Summary

Bill takes another run at banning smoking with kids in the car

Publication Date: 2011-01-13
  • Author:Teri Finneman
  • Publication:Bismarck Tribune

Students are the catalyst behind a bill that would ban smoking with children in the car.

A group of North Dakota lawmakers has submitted a bill to make it unlawful for drivers or passengers to smoke if kids under 13 are in the car.

House Bill 1150 says this is regardless of whether a window is down or if the vehicle is parked or on private property. The proposed fine is $50.

Bill co-sponsor Sen. Stan Lyson, R-Williston, said the bill stems from a group of Williston students.

“They said to us, ‘We feel like we’re captive in our vehicle when our parents smoke, and it’s not right,’ ” Lyson said. “It’s certainly not healthy. We agree completely with the children that brought it to our attention.”

Last session, the bill failed with an age limit of 16. Sponsors decided to try the bill again with an age of 13, Lyson said.

“We felt that the people that voted it down last time thought 16 was too old, so we went down to the elementary age,” Lyson said. “We think, when they get into high school, they’re big enough to tell mom and dad, ‘Don’t smoke in front of me.’ ”

Lyson, a former smoker, said the bill is for the health of the state’s children.

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