FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ken Luttrell
Capitol: (405) 557-7355
Legislation to Protect Children from Smoking Hazards
OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2008) - Hoping to protect children from the
harmful effects of smoking, legislation filed by state Rep. Ken Luttrell
would make it illegal to smoke in a car carrying minors.
"I feel we have an obligation to protect our children," said
Luttrell, D-Ponca City. "You wouldn't drink and then drive a car with
children in it, so why would you want to expose your children to
concentrated smoke? Who will protect children if their parents won't?"
House Bill 2589, by Luttrell, would make it illegal to smoke
while driving if minors are present in a vehicle. Violations would
result in a fine of up to $100.
The bill would also make it illegal to seat minors in a smoking
room at a restaurant or other facility.
Luttrell noted that a recent test conducted in California showed
how quickly chemicals accumulate in a car when someone smokes inside it.
The test showed that air quality became toxic - up to 30 times the
hazardous level set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The
test found that cracking a window while smoking made little difference.
This research shows because children's bodies are still
developing, they are more susceptible to the effects of second-hand
smoke. Children exposed to cigarette smoke can develop asthma,
bronchitis and ear infections.
Luttrell's legislation is based on laws approved in Arkansas,
California and Louisiana. Up to 16 states are expected to consider
similar legislation this year, he said.
The bill was also requested by the Northern Oklahoma Association
of Mayors.
"Frankly, I hope the state never has to write a single
citation," Luttrell said. "If we can educate the public about the risks
created for children travelling with a smoker, I believe most Oklahomans
will do the responsible thing."
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