- The Washington Times - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Virginia legislators are moving to ban smoking in cars with children younger than 15.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Ralph S. Northam, D-Norfolk, would allow police officers to stop and ticket offenders. A fine of $100 would be issued at the time of the infraction.

The bill passed the state’s Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Monday and now heads to the full Senate.

Mr. Northam claims he is only acting “in the best interest of our children,” but critics worry that such a bill would philosophically open the door for legislators to target smokers in their homes.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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