Salt Lake Tribune
January 31, 2007

SB43 Would ban smoking in a car with young children. Next step: Final Senate vote

Today's expected final Senate vote on prohibiting smoking while driving in a car with a child age 5 or younger should be a tight one. The bill, sponsored by Salt Lake City Democratic Sen. Scott McCoy, made it through a preliminary vote Tuesday, but a number of senators indicated they could switch sides. The legislation would make it a secondary offense to smoke while driving with a child, similar to the state's seat belt law. The ticket would cost $45, but could be waived if the person signs up for a smoking cessation course. McCoy argued the bill would protect minor children who are forced to breathe second-hand smoke. Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, led the charge against the bill by arguing the prohibition would infringe on personal rights. - Matt Canham