LANSING – State Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) announced a new bill today to limit the use of tobacco products in motor vehicles. The legislation would make it illegal for any tobacco product to be lit in a vehicle when a person under the age of 18 is present.
“Thanks to medical and scientific studies, we know the dangers secondhand smoke poses to children. Yet, we are not doing enough to ensure that young kids are insulated from tobacco’s adverse effects,” said Singh. “When minors are in a car, they don’t always have the ability to voice their concern about the use of tobacco in an enclosed space. Now, they won’t have to worry about speaking up. The law will take care of that for them.”
According to the legislation, a violation of the bill would result in a $500 fine; however, a one year grace period exists for the public to become accustomed to the change.
The proposed legislation comes soon after Rep. Singh introduced a bill earlier this fall to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes to minors in Michigan.
“Nothing should be off the table when it comes to a child’s well-being,” Singh said. “This is simple, common sense legislation that works to promote the health and safety of minors in Michigan.”