The Senate Health and Human Resources advanced a bill that would prohibit smoking in a vehicle when a minor is present.
The committee met Tuesday afternoon where it took up SenateBill 81. The bill, which prohibits smoking in a vehicle when a minor under 16 is present, was highly discussed.
Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone, raised concern over whether vape pens or other electronic tobacco products would be included in the bill. The current version of the bill calls for a fine of $25 if an individual is found guilty of smoking a “lit” tobacco product while operating a vehicle where an individual under 16 is present.
Sen. Mike Azginer, R-Wood, also showed concern over the bill, citing that passage would result in too much government interference within the confines of a parent child relationship.
Dr. Cathy Slemp, interim state health officer and commissioner of the Bureau of Public Health, defended the bill and described the many effects that tobacco products can induce on children. Slemp cited statistics, saying children exposed to tobacco are more likely to contract ear infections and respiratory infections, and when tobacco products are used within a limited space, such as a car, the potential for negative side effects increase.
In response to Stollings’ concerns, Slemp stated that a rapid rise in electronic tobacco use has resulted in a 78 percent increase of teenage tobacco use in 2018— the highest increase since surveying began in 1975.
Following discussion, Stollings offered an amendment that would include electronic products in the current version of the bill. The senator also offered an amendment that would dedicate fines collected through this bill to the state’s tobacco education program.
Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, offered an amendment to alter the age of a minor from 16 to 17 and below for minors present in a vehicle.
Following a vote, the committee adopted all three amendments and voted to have a committee substitute of Senate Bill 81 be sent to the full Senate following reference to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
