Md. Senate Debate on Vehicle Smoking Ban Continues

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- Maryland senators will continue debating a bill to outlaw smoking in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8.

The Senate is expected to consider the bill Monday evening.

Lawmakers amended the bill Friday, changing the age at which a child cannot be exposed to smoking in a car to 16.

However, after supporters of the bill appeared to realize they had voted in error, the amendment was overturned.

Proponents said that while second-hand smoke is harmful to children of all ages, limiting the ban to children under 8 will make the law easier to enforce.

They said police officers will know a child under 8 is in the car because until that age children are required to ride in car seats.

More amendments are expected on the bill Monday