Connecticut Reconsiders Ban On Smoking In Cars With Kids

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Connecticut lawmakers are again considering a bill that would prevent people from smoking in a motor vehicle when there's a young child inside.

The Public Health Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing Wednesday on the bill, which failed in previous sessions.

State Rep. Chris Perone of Norwalk, who is cosponsoring the bill, said the opposition stems from one main issue.

"Smokers feel that their rights are going to be infringed on," he told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau.

Under this year's bill, someone could not smoke if the child is six years old or younger, or weighs less than 60 pounds. First-time offenders would receive a warning, while repeat violators could face an infraction.

Proponents contend the legislation is needed to protect children with developing lungs from the ill effects of second-hand smoke. Bonnie Smith, executive director of an East Hartford-based substance abuse prevention program, said in testimony that no one should be allowed to expose children to second-hand smoke in such a confined place.

Perone wants the age raised to protect young passengers into their teens, Schneidau reported.

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