OFF THE WIRE
Posted by: Matt Liponoga
On Wednesday, a new law in Oregon took effect that looked to protect children whose parents decide to smoke with them in the car.
The law (SB 444) was passed back in June 2013 and took effect Wednesday, January 1, 2014. The punishment for smoking with a minor (under 18 years old) in the motor vehicle is $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second.
The Oregon state house passed the measure 43-15 and the senate passed the bill 19-10. John Kitzhaber, Oregon’s democratic governor, signed the law on June 11, 2013.
Police will not be able to pull over a motorist solely because a teen or adult in the car smokes in the presence of children. They will first have to cite another violation, such as speeding, running a stop sign or changing a lane without proper notice.
While some lawmakers believe this was going to far to protect minors, Rep. Jim Thompson, R-Dallas, said the state is right to protect children from second-hand smoke in such closed quarters.
Oregon joins 5 other states with similar legislation already in effect. Those states include Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine, and Utah. California is the only other state however that includes those that are 16 and 17 years old.
So is this a government overreach or the right actions to protect children in the state? Should this be a federal law as well? Let us know in the comments below.