House Fails to Pass Smoking in Cars with Kids Law

Posted

Paige Baxter

Capital News Service

RICHMOND – A Senate bill that would have banned smoking in cars carrying children under age 15 was tabled Friday by a House committee.

Senate Bill 975, proposed by Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, had passed the Senate on Jan. 31 on a vote of 30-10. It then “crossed over” to the House for consideration.

Initially, the bill was assigned to the House Courts of Justice Committee. On Wednesday, that panel sent the bill to the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee.

On Friday, the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee tabled the legislation by voice vote. That likely kills the issue for this legislative session.

SB 975 sought to prohibit adults from smoking in a motor vehicle when a minor under 15 is present. Violators would have been subject to a $100 civil penalty.

featured, house, news, senate, va