Posted on 03/07/2007 3:29:59 PM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist
(CBS) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Smoking is banned in a lot of places, and now there's a push in Springfield to ban smoking in cars when children are present.
As CBS 2's Alita Guillen reports, a state law is being proposed that would make smoking in a car with a child under eight years old illegal. The offense would be punishable with jail time and a $1500 fine.
For parents like Ladasha Williams, the law would be welcomed. After all, she says, a six month old can't speak up.
“It's better for kids, especially little kids because they shouldn't inhale things other people have decided to destroy their bodies on,“ Williams said.
Doctors agree, saying second hand smoke puts children at risk, not just for cancer but health issues like bronchitis, asthma, influenza, sore throats, and pneumonia.
“The risk for respiratory infections is so increased by the exposure to second-hand smoke. The younger the child, the more significant the illness,” said Dr. Beth Volin of Rush Medical Center.
State Rep. Mike Boland, D-Moline, is proposing the bill. He says it will only affect irresponsible parents.
“Some parents need a law because they don't know how to care for their kids,” Boland said.
Other people question is a law really necessary?
“I think it's a little too much over the top,” said Lynn Kotsis, a non-smoker.
The bill goes to committee next week. That's when we'll hear who is for it and who's against it. One doctor we spoke with questioned the law, saying even if it is enforced, smokers need help quitting.
Similar laws are already in place in Louisiana and Arkansas.
ping
smoke a Camel , go to jail.
is this Illinois or Ithica?
It appears now they have made a law against being an idiot.
Achtung! You vill be sentenced to life in jail as vee protect die kinder.
unless you're an illegal alien: no license, no insurance...no problem!
That's coming next.
Now Americans are kissing communism.
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