From Deseret News archives:
Panel hesitant but OKs car-smoking proposal
The bill itself has not yet been written, and several members of the Health and Human Services Interim Committee noted that while they support the idea enough to move the proposal along, they are taking a wait-and-see attitude until they review actual language.
Lawmakers said they're concerned that fixing one problem might create a much bigger one: The proposal addresses an immediate and well-documented health threat of secondhand smoke, but in the process, it makes a legal activity of a parent illegal. It's a short hike from reducing a health risk to deciding a parent is neglecting or even abusing a child, three committee members said.
The proposal's sponsor, Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, said he doubts a secondary infraction with a $45 waivable fee could be turned into an accusation of child abuse. He added, however, that he would welcome language as the bill is drawn up that specifically prohibits a violation from becoming the basis for or a factor in a child-abuse case.
"We're not close to crossing the line we're crossing it," said Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom, R-Orem. "There are always risks raising children. Should we start putting scales in schools and fine the parents of overweight kids for feeding them too many fatty foods? We need to get back to parental responsibility. When we start down this road, we're setting a precedent."
Rep. Julie Fisher, R-Fruit Heights, said she could see merit in both sides of the argument. She said she grew up with a father who smoked. "I agree that there are all kinds of detrimental effects to being around smoke. But I also watched my father's behavior when he wanted a cigarette; I wanted him to find the cigarette, and I rolled down the window."
Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, R-Garland, said her constituency has had a lot more reaction to this proposal than she expected, and they're using some strong language to make their point.
"Many say we're being hypocritical, because we recognize risks of smoking and regulate adults in all kinds of public places, but we really don't care about protecting the children," Menlove said. "I agree with the points that have been made, but smoking is so clearly detrimental, we need to do something."
Rep. Phil Riesen, D-East Millcreek, in making the motion to approve the proposal, said he is "four-square behind personal liberty and choice. But those rights end where my nose begins. We are obligated to protect the health of children who can't protect themselves."
E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com
Recent comments
While I don't smoke, and haven't for thirty years now, and don't like...
Charlie | Sept. 23, 2007 at 4:54 p.m.
I see parents smoking in cars with children all the time. It is...
Clean Air | Sept. 22, 2007 at 10:48 a.m.
How can you exclude one State Agency that has a history of spinning...
swrl | Sept. 20, 2007 at 5:25 p.m.
- Wolverine women win; Griffins lose 12:37 a.m.
- Photo: The Butler drilled it 12:37 a.m.
- Same old story for Jazz 12:35 a.m.
- Jazz game at a glance 12:32 a.m.
- NASA workers worried about future 12:31 a.m.
- Shuttle begins new mission Monday 12:31 a.m.
- Young Buck scores 55 in victory 12:30 a.m.
- Frogs shut down MWC's top rusher 12:29 a.m.
- Costly mistakes doomed Utes 12:28 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:27 a.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- D-Will home for daughter
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Crash on snowy road kills woman
- Born of water and the spirit
- GameDay in Fort Worth
- BYU happy to escape with victory
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
358 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
200 - BYU happy to escape with victory
194 - Senators want food tax restored
166 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - TCU plows past Utes, 55-28
134 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!
mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...
Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...
I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...
financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...
This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...
I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...
What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...
Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...
This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...
