Calif. Bill Would Ban Smoking in Car with Kids

Reuters ^ | April 28, 2004 | Reuters

[DumpsterDiver]

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California could be on its way to becoming the first U.S. state to outlaw smoking in cars or trucks that have children inside.

A bill is being considered in the state Assembly to allow police to stop vehicles if a minor appears to be exposed to smoke from a pipe, cigar, cigarette, or "any other plant."

The bill has the support of the American Lung Association, which points to research showing secondhand smoke can cause cancer, respiratory infections and asthma.

Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh, a Democrat and author of the bill, has referred to a survey by state health officials that found 29 percent of youth in the state had been exposed to secondhand smoke in the prior week.

Opponents say the bill, which last week passed in the Transportation Committee and now heads to the Appropriations Committee, not only encroaches on Constitutional freedoms but demonstrates the intentions of some politicians to eventually ban smoking everywhere in California.

"If the ultimate goal is to ban smoking, then have the courage to come up and say that," said Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, a Republican in the Democratic-dominated legislative body.

"Show me good science that shows that secondhand smoke is a problem. I don't know that they've proved that," Mountjoy added.

California in 1995 became the first state in the nation to ban smoking in virtually all workplaces, said Paul Knepprath, the vice president of government relations at the American Lung Association of California.

No other state has instituted a sweeping ban on smoking in cars with children present, Knepprath said.

[hattend]

This is akin to mandatory wearing of seat-belts, talking on your cell phone, etc.. There are not enough cops to ride around and enforce this stuff and for the life of me I wonder why a little common sense is not used, but I forget we are dealing with low life politicians trying to get elected over and over again.

In California, there is an ad running on KRLA where the CHP is asking you to turn in your neighbor if they have out of state plates on their cars. "Just give us a call, we'll do the rest". Same thing will happen with this. Some busybody malcontent will see you smoking in your car, get on their cell phone and call some "tipster" number with your license plate number. You'll get a ticket in the mail, just like with the red light cameras. You won't be able to contest the ticket because the burden of proof will be on you.

Sounds outrageous, but as the frog boils, the politicians get more brazen.

[Flyer]

to allow police to stop vehicles if a minor appears to be exposed to smoke

I think this is the point where I would lose it and go over the edge. . . and do something to put me in prison or six feet under.

[Dan from Michigan]

My car is my castle. Period. That law would not be worthy of being followed by me. (I rarely smoke a cigar in my car, but it's the principle)

[Dan from Michigan]

I can't believe they are still spewing out the old lie about SHS CAUSING asthma.

Asthma is inherited. I have it. Some of my cousins have it. Some of my uncles have it. My grandmother used to have it.

[Gabz]

Thank you.

[TheGunny]

I had a similar experience, and hated every minute of it. What can a child do but complain about it or suck it up? I dont know about a law, but there should at least be some type of educational program on the air waves to teach folks that this is bad for their children and that their wants should come second to the safety of their children.

[-YYZ-]

Nevermind the fact that it's a freakin' convertible! How much smoke would the kiddies be exposed to in THAT?

[Captain Peter Blood]

Why would the CHP want people to turn in their neighbors for having cars with out of state plates? That could lead to a lot of problems as well as so called invasion of privacy. Are they looking for something specific?????

[cinFLA]

I saw one poster on FR say that smoking around children will provent asthma.

[cinFLA]

Why would the CHP want people to turn in their neighbors for having cars with out of state plates? That could lead to a lot of problems as well as so called invasion of privacy. Are they looking for something specific?????

$$$$. Particularly looking for large motorhomes and boats registered out of state.

[DumpsterDiver]

Why would the CHP want people to turn in their neighbors for having cars with out of state plates? Are they looking for something specific?????

They're trying to bust people who live here but who register their cars in other states.

[Just another Joe]

I saw one poster on FR say that smoking around children will provent asthma.

BS, find the post.

[navygal]

They can't be series ,is this every going to stop?

[cinFLA]

think this is the point where I would lose it and go over the edge. . . and do something to put me in prison or six feet under.

I think you should seek professional help before you resort to violence.

[Just another Joe]

Now, can the CDC say how many of these fires allegedly started by cigarettes had alcohol involved?

Like I said, I guess we'll never know. Even though I was speaking about the aunt and uncle thing.

[DumpsterDiver]

is this every going to stop?

They'll stop just short of banning it. Gotta keep those tax dollars rolling in to finance their pet projects.

[hattend]

They are looking for Californians who bought their cars out of state and continue to register their cars out of state to avoid the higher California DMV fees. Also, if you bought your car out of state to avoid paying California Sales Tax, they will also ding you for that when you register.

I didn't know it was such a problem because I would guess the only way you could continue registering your car out of state after the first year is to have property in another state (ie: you're "rich").

[Captain Peter Blood]

Well Comrade will you please come down to the station and explain yourself, have your papers in order!!!!!!!!!

[RightFighter]

Are they going to ban flatuating in cars as well?

If there was verifiable evidence that flatulation causes cancer and other diseases, I'm sure they would.

[Gabz]

Have you read Joe Cherner's latest bloviating on the beach smoking ban??????

Personally, I like to listen to loud music, but I understand why I can't do so on the beach. Just for the record, I would much rather have a topless or nude sunbather lie down next to me (which is illegal on most beaches) than a sunbather whose smoke blows in my face. And most importantly, I don't want to worry about my children or grandchildren (when I have them) picking up cigarette butts and putting them in their mouths.

She Lion.............could you repost the picture of Monsieur Cherner and his "children" please????

His parenting skills apparently leave much to be desired if he's worried about his kids picking up stuff from the ground and putting it in their mouths..................of course there are other problems with his parenting skills, aren't there???????