RI bill would ban smoking when kids are in cars
Providence, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island state senator wants to add to the list of places people can't smoke — in cars when children are present.
South Kingstown Democrat V. Susan Sosnowski's bill would allow police to issue a verbal warning to drivers caught smoking with kids in their cars. The law would apply to children young enough to require car seats.
Sosnowski says the goal is to protect children from harmful second-hand smoke. She changed the bill Wednesday to remove a proposed $25 fine and make it clear that police could not stop drivers solely for smoking with children in their cars, after the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union raised concerns.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted on Wednesday to send the bill to the full Senate.
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