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Now I am not a friend of smoking, and I am all for protecting children, but when does a county commission have authority over what I do in my vehicle? I thought laws regarding vehicles would need to be enacted on a state level.
Monroe County Bans Smoking in Cars with Children
By the Associated Press
3/27/2009
The Monroe County commissioners have approved an expansion of the county's smoking ban to prohibit smoking in vehicles carrying children.
Commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of the ban at a meeting Friday, one day after the county's Board of Health unanimously recommended the move.
The ordinance will carry a fine of $100 for a person caught smoking in a vehicle carrying a child age 13 or younger. Police officers would not be able to stop a car just to enforce the ordinance.
Supporters said it would protect children from second hand smoke. Opponents called it an invasion into people's personal lives.
Health board members say they will ask officials in Bloomington and other Monroe County communities to approve similar measures.
Now I am not a friend of smoking, and I am all for protecting children, but when does a county commission have authority over what I do in my vehicle? I thought laws regarding vehicles would need to be enacted on a state level.