Law Seeks to Ban Smoking in Cars with Children

Legislation now being considered by the Ohio Senate would make it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with a child under 6 inside.

The measure, which had its first hearing Feb. 1, would follow the lead of several other states to protect young children from secondhand smoke.

The bill got support from State Sen. Tom Patton, R-24, of Strongsville, who chairs the Highways and Transportation Committee, although he questioned he questioned how police would be able to tell if a child in a car was under 6.

Police Chief Charles Goss said it is too early to say how police would enforce a potential smoking ban in cars, but said other laws already require officers to "make observations and draw conclusions" -- like the child restraint law, which requires children under a certain weight to ride in a carseat.

"We'll have to see what form the law takes if it passes," he said.

Goss said other laws regarding children, like child endangering, are even more abstract. Officers have to decide, for example, if a child is too young to be left alone based on the child, parents and circumstances rather than a specific age defined by law.

The smoking law is sponsored by State Sen. Charleta Tavares, a Columbus Democrat. Other states to ban smoking in vehicles where children are passengers include California, Louisiana and Maine.

Supporters say children should be protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke, while opponents say the law infringest on personal freedoms.

What do you think?