Illinois has been "smoke-free" since 2008. State law bans anyone from lighting up within 15 feet of public places and businesses. Now legislators are considering broadening where smoking is prohibited.
There’s a bumper sticker that reads "At Least I Can Still Smoke In My Car."
Not for long, if a measure that recently got the approval of a Senate committee continues to advance.
The proposal would forbid adults from smoking if anyone under the age of 18 is in the car; doing so would trigger a $100 fine.
The American Lung Association's Kathy Drea says second-hand smoke is harmful to kids.
“We do so many things in cars already. We regulate seat belts, we regulate child safety seats, we regulate cell phone use in cares, we regulate alcohol use in cars. This is just another one that would help improve lives for our children.”
However, the measure faces opposition, including from some African Americans. Studies show blacks are already more likely to be pulled over.