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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Bill
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State Rep. Angel Cruz |
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Cruz introduces bill to ban smoking in cars carrying children
Phila. lawmaker says measure would improve health and safety of young children
HARRISBURG, May 17 -- State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., introduced legislation that would ban smoking in cars when children are present. The bill (H.B. 1303) would allow courts to impose fines and other penalties on violators.
Cruz said he introduced the bill because of the overwhelming scientific evidence of the harmful affects of secondhand smoke, especially on young children whose lungs are still developing. He added that a car is one of the smallest and most confined places where someone can smoke and a child has no choice but to inhale the toxic fumes when riding with someone who is smoking.
“Reports show that children are effectively smoking a pack and a half a day for every hour they are exposed to smoke in a car,” Cruz said. “Some may say it’s an invasion of privacy. But it becomes a public health issue because kids have little say in the matter, especially those who are too young to realize the dangers that secondhand smoke imposes.”
For more information regarding this legislation, or other issues important to you and your communities, please contact Cruz’s constituent service office at 215-291-5643, or visit his Web site at www.pahouse.com/cruz.
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