Deseret Morning News
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

A move to ban smoking in private vehicles received preliminary approval Tuesday, though several senators indicated they might change their vote the next time around.

With a vote of 16-9, the state Senate agreed to hear SB43, sponsored by Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, for a third time.

The measure, which would prohibit lighting up in cars when a child under the age of 5 is present, has raised concerns in some legislators about infringing upon individual rights.

"There is something that stinks more than smoking, and that's the invasion of private property rights," Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, said Tuesday.

SB43 needs another affirmative vote in the Senate before going to the House for consideration.