IL Smokers Will No Longer Be Able To Light Up When There Are Kids In The Car

WGN reports that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a bill into law that prohibits smoking in a vehicle when someone under the age of 18 is present. And the law extends beyond the use of tobacco.

The bill was sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathan Carroll.

According to Bill HB2276, it will be illegal to inhale, exhale, burn or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, weed, plant, regulated narcotic or other combustible substance in a motor vehicle containing a person under 18.

The legislation covers all vehicle usage- whether in motion, in park, or with the windows down.

Violators of the law will receive a $100 fine for the first offense and $250 fine for the second.

The American Lung Association praised the law, saying that the legislation will "help protect the health of our children." Secondhand smoke is a huge contributor to child health problems, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, and ear infections.