Bill Would Ban Smoking with Minor in Car

PHOENIX - It would be against the law in Arizona to smoke in vehicles in which a child is riding under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

A Senate committee on Wednesday approved the bill, which now goes to the full Senate after a legal review and party caucus briefings.

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The bill is intended to reduce children's exposure to second-hand smoke, which is regarded as a health threat to children.

Under the bill, smoking in a vehicle with a minor present would be a nonmovoing civil traffic violation punishable by a $50 civil penalty for each person under age 18 in the vehicle.

Republican Sen. Linda Gray of Glendale voted against the bill. She said she hates tobacco smoke but believes "it's a personal choice."