Bid to Ban Smoking in Cars with Kids Fails

 The Illinois Senate snuffed out a proposal Wednesday to ban smoking in cars with kids.

The measure, designed to limit exposure to second-hand smoke, received just eight "yes" votes out of a possible 59 in the Legislature's upper chamber.

Opponents said it was ironic the proposed law was being discussed at the same time the state is moving to decriminalize marijuana.

The sponsor of the measure, state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago, said he was merely trying to protect children.

"When you're in a car you're in a confined area," Silverstein said.

Under the proposal, police could not stop a vehicle solely because the driver is seen smoking with kids in the car. The stop would have to involve some other traffic violation.

The law also wouldn't have applied to people driving convertibles.

The legislation is Senate Bill 729.