AUGUSTA, Maine—A bill to ban smoking in cars when children are present has won a strong vote of support in committee, enhancing its chances of becoming Maine law.
The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted 12-1 yesterday in favor of the proposal, sending it to the House for a vote. Gov. John Baldacci says he would support it.
Two identical bills modeled after a Bangor city ordinance were presented to the committee. The panel chose the one sponsored by Republican Representative Brian Duprey of Hampden, who joined other supporters last week in defending it as a children's health measure.
As modified by committee, the bill would make smoking in cars with children under age 16 a violation. For a year, police could issue warnings only, and after that they could write tickets for $50 or give warnings.
