South Carolina bill would ban smoking inside cars while children are passengers
Drivers in violation would pay a fine no more than $100 for each time the offense takes place, the bill suggests
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A bipartisan group of senators in South Carolina introduced a bill this week that would ban smoking in the car with a child present.
South Carolina Sen. Darrell Jackson, a Democrat, said it is aimed at protecting kids from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and is similar to legislation already in place in a dozen other states.
"I think the time has come for us to have a serious discussion, having South Carolina join these other states. Many of them are Southern states," Jackson said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SMOKING SHRINKS THE BRAIN AND DRIVES UP ALZHEIMER’S RISK, NEW STUDY FINDS
A South Carolina group of senators introduced a new bill this week that would ban smoking in a vehicle with a child 12 years or younger present. (iStock)
"As a father and grandfather, I believe we have a duty to create a healthier future for the next generation," Jackson said. "This legislation is not about punishing smokers; it's about ensuring our kids can grow up in an environment free from unnecessary health risks."
The bill would make it unlawful for a person to smoke a tobacco product in a motor vehicle with a passenger under the age of 12 present. It goes on to outline "tobacco product" as a product that contains tobacco and is intended for human consumption.
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If passed, smoking with a child younger than 12 in the car would result in a fine of no more than $100 for the driver each time the law is violated. (Kids and Car Safety)
The bill suggests a person in violation "must be fined not more than one hundred dollars" each time the offense takes place.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jackson filed similar legislation in the state almost two decades ago. Though it passed the state Senate, it never reached the governor’s desk.