Ban on Smoking in Cars if a Minor is Present Discussed

Representatives Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) and Noreen Kokoruda (R-Madison) on Tuesday co-chaired the first meeting of a bipartisan working group that is examining the issue of smoking in a vehicle with minors present.

The bipartisan group discussed the issue with the intent of developing legislation for protecting children when they’re present in vehicles where someone is smoking. A bill that would have banned smoking in vehicles when children are present was introduced last year but did not advance.

“What we’re doing is protecting those who don’t have a voice,” Genga said, adding that even with drivers’ windows open 2 inches, cigarette smoke still gets to young passengers. “Second-hand smoke is devastating,” he said. Seven states and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia have similar bans.

“The health hazards associated with second hand smoke are well known. We owe it to our youngest children to protect them from second hand smoke associated health risks,” Kokoruda said.

“With the negative health impact of second hand smoke well understood by our society, it is important we continue to look at ways to better shield people from this danger – particularly our children,” said Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Rep. Genga has been focused on reducing the exposure of kids to passive smoke in cars for some time now, and I know he and Rep. Kokoruda will do a great job leading this workgroup over the coming months as they develop recommendations for the legislature to consider.”