Bill Restricting Smoking in Cars With Children Clears Senate

The Smokefree Cars for Children Act, sponsored by State Senator Bruce Thompson (R–White), on Friday passed the Georgia Senate in a 37 to 3 vote.

The bill cleared the Senate on Friday, March 13, which is designated as Crossover Day.

Crossover Day is the deadline in which legislation must pass either chamber of the Georgia General Assembly to move forward during the legislative session.

According to S.B. 130, someone smoking in a car when a child under the age of 15 is present will be subject to a fine up to $100.

“Protecting Georgia’s children is one of the most important things we can do at state legislators,” Thompson said. “The Smokefree Cars for Children Act will help curb exposure to second hand smoke in close proximity, which is a contributing factor for the development of a number of lifelong medical conditions including asthma.”

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, secondhand smoke can contain more than 7,000 different chemicals, including many toxins linked to cancer. Respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma are all substantiated results of being subjected to second hand smoke in close proximity.

The bill has had bipartisan support since it was introduced as well as support from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta among other child advocacy groups.

S.B. 130 now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for their consideration.

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