Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers say if you want to light up in your car, there shouldn’t be any kids around.  The House Wednesday voted to ban smoking in vehicles when anyone under 17 is present.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Supporters say the measure is necessary to protect the health of kids, especially ones too young to speak up for themselves.  

They say second-hand smoke is especially dangerous in a confined area like the inside of a car.  

Violators would be fined $90 for a first offense.  

Most Republicans voted against the bill.  That includes Salem Representative Vicki Berger, who said this is a social issue, not a criminal matter.

Vicki Berger:  “I want our police officers to be out there dealing with real crimes, not trying to deal with bad parenting.”

Oregon would become the fifth state to ban smoking in cars in the presence of kids if the measure passes the state Senate and is signed into law.

In Olympia, a similar measure failed last year and an attempt to revisit the proposal has gone nowhere this year.

Online: 

Oregon House Bill 2385