NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee doctors want state lawmakers to make it illegal for drivers to smoke cigarettes while youngsters are in the car, but can't find any supporters for such a bill.
Tennessee Medical Association Vice President Russ Miller says the association wants a $25 fine for drivers smoking with children 9 or younger in the car, regardless of whether the windows are down.
Legislators and organizations dedicated to secondhand smoke prevention have declined to support the idea.
The Tennessean reports Tennessee Public Health Association executive director Doris Spain says organizations may be hesitant to support such a bill because it may limit individual rights.
Four states, including Louisiana and Arkansas, have laws against smoking while children are in the car, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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Information from: The Tennessean, http://www.tennessean.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
