Connecticut House Bill HB05502

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Smoking In Motor Vehicles With Minor Children.

Impact

Should HB 5502 pass, it will amend the general statutes concerning smoking regulations in vehicles. It establishes a clear legal framework prohibiting smoking near young children in vehicles, creating a rebuttable presumption that an adult holding a smoking device is, indeed, smoking. This could significantly influence public behavior regarding smoking in cars where children are passengers, fostering social change aimed at protecting vulnerable youth.

Summary

House Bill 5502 seeks to protect the health of children by prohibiting cigarette smoking in motor vehicles while minor children are present. Specifically, the bill targets instances where children six years of age or younger, or those weighing less than sixty pounds, are present in the vehicle and require a child restraint system. The intent is to minimize the exposure of young children to harmful effects of secondhand smoke, thereby promoting healthier environments for their development.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 5502 might concern issues of personal freedom versus public health. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in protecting children from the dangers of secondhand smoke, aligning public health initiatives with child welfare. Opposition may arise from concerns about governmental overreach or limitations on individual rights, particularly among those who view smoking as a personal choice. This dynamic may lead to vigorous discussions during legislative sessions, where the balance between individual liberties and collective health interests is critically assessed.