COLUMBUS, Ohio–State Senator Charleta Tavares of Columbus is cracking down on people who smoke cigarettes in their car with a child in the back seat.
She wants Senate Bill 130 to be a primary offense; that means an officer can pull someone over without any other reason and fine them $500 if the child is under 6 years old.
“We have had some calls and emails of individuals who think we’re taking away their freedoms. I certainly believe in the freedom of all Americans. But when your freedom impacts the safety of infants and babies, you have no choice. That’s when your rights are limited,” Senator Tavares said.
Other states like Maine, Louisiana and California already have automobile smoking bans in place for kids under 17.
Tavares hopes Senate Bill 130 becomes Ohio law in less than two years.
