Watch CBS News

Senate Gives Initial OK To Vehicle Smoking Ban

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland residents would not be able to smoke in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8, under a measure that has received preliminary approval in the state Senate.

The Senate blocked two amendments Monday night that were offered by Sen. Edward Reilly, R-Anne Arundel.

Reilly tried to change the bill so a violation of the law would be a secondary, rather than a primary, offense. As a primary
offense, a police officer would be able to pull someone over for the offense.

Senators also shot down an amendment that would have prevented a child from riding in a vehicle in which someone had smoked at all.

Supporters of the measure as it currently stands say it is needed to protect children from second-hand smoke.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.