People who smoke cigarettes in cars with children could be hit with a $100 fine if legislation proposed by a Virginia House Republican becomes law.
The House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a car with a child under the age of 8, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.
Del. Todd Pillion, a pediatric dentist, said the measure would help protect the developing lungs of children. Drivers could not be pulled over for smoking in cars with children, but could be assessed a $100 civil fine if they are pulled over for other reasons.
Opponents of the bill said it an overly intrusive measure by state government. The bill moves to the Senate, where a vote is expected within the next week.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
