MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) — Wisconsin already has a law against smoking in public places like bars and restaurants. There’s now a push to make it illegal in one of your private places, too… inside your car if children are inside.
Democratic State Senator Janet Bewley of Ashland has proposed a bill that would fine people $25.00 dollars for smoking inside the confined space of a motor vehicle if children are exposed to the smoke. The bill as proposed is limited to a secondary infraction, meaning the officer would have to pull the driver over for something else before adding the smoking ticket. The bill also applies the penalties only for young children still using child seats.
Bewley believes an effort needs to be made to protect the lungs of children. So far, the bill is still at the committee level and hasn’t had any formal action.