An Illinois lawmaker wants to make it illegal to smoke in a car with a minor. Senator Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago, says it could spare children from second-hand smoke.
"It's very rare that we try to do something proactive. There's a Yiddish saying, 'Man plans and God laughs.' I don't know what the future has, but I'm trying to be proactive to prevent a child from getting cancer or anyone else getting sick," Silverstein said.
Under the proposal, police could not pull a driver over solely for smoking in a car with a child, but could face a fine if he is stopped for another traffic violation.
The American Lung Association backs the plan. According to the organization, children are more susceptible to illnesses, like pneumonia and bronchitis, caused in part by second-hand smoke.
Kathy Drea, of the American Lung Association, says putting a law on the books sends a message to smokers.
Drea compares the proposal to other laws pertaining to vehicles.
"We can't carry open alcohol in a car, we can't use cell phones in a car, we have to have car seats for a our babies, we have to wear seatbelts."
In a Senate committee hearing, Republican Dave Syverson of Rockford pushed back.
Syverson: "What's the difference between not telling them in their own vehicle versus in their own home?"
Drea:"Well, a vehicle is such a confined, small space compared to home and the levels are much higher."
Drea says there are similar laws in 14 other states.