Bill would make it illegal to smoke with children in vehicle
A bill to make it illegal to smoke or vape in a vehicle with children 14 or younger is halfway to becoming law in Alabama.
The House of Representatives passed the bill Tuesday night by a vote of 84-15. The sponsor is Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham.
Hollis said the purpose is to protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and health complications like asthma and respiratory infections. Hollis has been working to pass similar bills since 2017.
The prohibition would apply even if the windows of a vehicle are opened and even if the vehicle is parked. A violation would result in a fine of up to $100.
The smoking ban would be a secondary violation, meaning that it could be charged only if police stop the vehicle for a separate violation, such as speeding, and issue a ticket for that violation.
The bill moves to the Senate, where it will be sponsored by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, who has previously sponsored bills to limit access to second-hand smoke.