Conn. Task Force To Consider Smoking Ban In Cars With Child Passengers

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Connecticut task force studying whether to ban smoking in cars while children are inside is broadening its review.

The group plans to draw attention in its final report to the General Assembly to the need for more education about health risks for children exposed to secondhand smoke.

Right now, it's not against the law to smoke in a car when children are riding along, WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported.

The group wants to highlight how Connecticut spends the bulk of money it receives from state tobacco taxes and a legal settlement with big tobacco companies on programs other than tobacco control. 

Rep. Noreen Kokordua, the task force's co-chairperson, said of the nearly $2 billion dollars received in the settlement, just under $2 million was spent for tobacco-related programs this past year.

"Our state's not doing well on it and I don't think most legislators realize the lack of commitment we have with this issue," Kokordua said.

Korodura said she's unsure exactly what the group will ultimately recommend when it comes to banning smoking in cars. She says the concept has raised concerns including the potential for profiling by police looking for a reason to pull someone over.

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