ATLANTA (March 13, 2015) | Senate Bill 130, the “Smokefree Cars for Children Act” sponsored by Senator Bruce Thompson (R – White), passed the Georgia Senate in a 37 to 3 vote. According to SB 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,” said Senator Thompson. “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.”
According to the Center for Disease Control, second hand smoke can contain more than 7 thousand 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.
SB 130 now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for their consideration.
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For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028