West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Ban Smoking in Cars with Children

The bill, aimed at protecting children from secondhand smoke exposure, now faces an uncertain future in the House of Delegates.

The West Virginia state Senate passed a bill banning smoking or possessing lit tobacco products in vehicles with individuals under 16 present.
The proposed legislation, which passed with a 25-8 vote, would make such actions a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $25, but only as a secondary offense.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, inspired by a patient affected by secondhand smoke, has championed the bill, marking a continued effort since 2017.
Critics, including Sen. Mike Azinger, argue the bill infringes on parents' rights, labeling the legislation as an overreach by the state.
West Virginia, with the highest adult cigarette usage in the nation, could join 11 other states that have already banned smoking in cars with children.