STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON A BILL MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO SMOKE WITH KIDS IN THE CAR.

THE IDEA HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS IN HOPES OF PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE. THE LATEST VERSION IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR JULIE MORRISON OF DEERFIELD WHO SAYS IT WOULD BE A SECONDARY OFFENSE. THAT MEANS POLICE COULDN’T SOLELY PULL SOMEONE OVER FOR SMOKING WITH KIDS IN THE CAR.

SENATOR LAURA MURPHY OF DES PLAINES SAYS THIS MAY BE TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.

THE LEGISLATION MAKES THE CRIME A PETTY OFFENSE, WITH A FINE OF UP TO 100 DOLLARS. SOME ADDITIONAL TWEAKS COULD STILL BE MADE BEFORE IT’S VOTED ON IN THE SENATE.