Utah House Democrats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
House Democrats Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.590.9961
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

Legislator Brings Back a Bill  to Ban Smoking in Cars When Children are Present

SALT LAKE CITY, January 10, 2010 — Representative Jay Seegmiller, D—Sandy, will once again present a bill that will ban smoking in cars when children are present.  The bill is similar to legislation that passed through a House Transportation committee in the 2009 session, but did not go to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

"This is not an anti-smoking bill, but a pro-children bill," said Representative Seegmiller in a a statement. 

Representative Seegmiller explained that when someone smokes in the small enclosed space of a car, children are exposed to toxic air that is many times higher than what the EPA considers hazardous air quality, even when a window is down.

"Any level of second-hand smoke has harmful effects on a child's health, so it's particularly important that we protect vulnerable children who are confined in a vehicle."  said Seegmiller. 

Specifically, this bill does the following:

This bill:         

• Prohibits a person from smoking in a motor vehicle if a child who is younger than eight years of age is restrained or is required to be restrained in a child restraint device in the motor vehicle;

• Provides that violating the smoking prohibition is an infraction and has a maximum fine of $45;

• Provides that a court may suspend the fine for a violation if the person proves that the person has enrolled in a smoking cessation program;

• Provides that enforcement of the smoking prohibition shall be only as a secondary action;

• Provides that a violation of the smoking prohibition may not be used as a basis for or evidence of child abuse or neglect.

• Similar bills have been passed in 5 states including Arkansas & Louisiana

For information, contact Emily Hollingshead, House Democrats Communications Coordinator – 435.590.9961, or Representative Jay Seegmiller – 801.550.5649