S2641

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, to fine people who smoke in cars with children present was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

The bill, S-2641, passed 9-0 with bipartisan support. It now awaits action before the full Senate.

“There are very few responsibilities of law enforcement that are more important than protecting children’s health,” said Senator Lesniak, a longtime anti-smoking advocate.

FREEHOLD – Senator Ellen Karcher, D-Marlboro, the Vice Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, issued the following statement regarding reports that a leading anti-smoking activist, Vince Rennich, was fired from his job as a supervisor at Tropicana Casino and Resort, a week after testifying before the Senate health panel on the need for a comprehensive indoor smoking ban which affects casinos:

“Mr. Rennich knows firsthand the dangers of second-hand smoke. A non-smoker and employee of the Tropicana for 26 years, he attributes his diagnosis of lung cancer two years ago to the unhealthy conditions on the gaming floors.

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today announced efforts to prohibit smoking while in a car with a minor, in an attempt to protect kids from second-hand smoke in enclosed areas.

“Many parents who are smokers have the presence of mind to not expose their children to the dangerous toxins associated with second-hand smoke,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “We know for a fact that second-hand smoke contributes to heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer, and responsible parents should try to limit their kids’ exposure, even if they themselves aren’t ready to quit. It seems like common sense that parents should avoid lighting up when they’ve got their kids in the car, and this law will stand to enforce that common sense.”