Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Bill would ban smoking in cars with children present

CARSON CITY — A coalition of heath organizations offered its support today to a bill that would make it illegal for adults to smoke tobacco in a car with children present.

Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle, D-Sparks, said his bill, AB322, is aimed at preventing those under 18 years old from being exposed to second-hand smoke in a confined space.

The measure would give police the authority enforce the law with a ticket that would carry a $25 fine.

“The penalty is not great,” Sprinkle told the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Seven other states and Puerto Rico have similar laws.

Representatives from groups including the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association and the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition all voiced support for the legislation. Smoking in a confined place can lead to serious illnesses for children exposed to second-hand smoke, they argued.

Dr. Joseph Iser, chief health officer for the Southern Nevada Health District, said second-hand smoke can lead to cancer.

Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Minden, complained that the bill would make it “a crime to smoke.” Wheeler said he smokes, but he keeps the windows open when his children or grandchildren are in a vehicle with him.

Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, said the bill could have “unintended consequences” such as “overzealous” enforcement. She wondered aloud whether such legislation would be the forerunner for banning people from smoking in their homes.

The American Civil Liberties Union also spoke in opposition of the bill, saying smoking should not be a primary offense to give police cause to stop a car.

The committee did not take any action on the bill.

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