TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A proposed bill that would make it illegal for people to smoke in cars with anyone under the age of 13 present passed its first hurdle Wednesday.
The senator who sponsored the bill was inspired by a group of students who won a contest.
“Second-hand smoke is a terrible thing. It doesn’t matter what age you are,” said driver Mike McCan.
Years later, McCan is feeling the effects of second-hand smoke, along with driver Maureen Conroy.
“I have been affected by it. I am on medication. I am on oxygen,” said Conroy.
The law came from a group of students who won a contest.
They were looking out for themselves and now Florida’s government is looking out for them.
“If you want to smoke, smoke and destroy your own life, not somebody else’s,” said Conroy.
Document: Proposal to ban smoking in cars with children
McCan also agrees no adult should have the freedom to cause damage to a child.
“Like anything, there is going to be stipulations and controversy, but I feel like moving in that direction would be a positive action,” said McCan.
If passed, the law would go in effect in October 2015.
The bill now goes to a second subcommittee for another cote.