Tobacco Reform At The Capitol Today, Aims To Keep Kids Away From Smoke

With North Dakota on the hot seat for its smoking rates, Legislators introduced two bills to keep our youth from accessing tobacco.
 

The first is House Bill 1274. It was introduced today, as a way of keeping kids away from second-hand smoke. 
 

Democratic Representative Pam Anderson gave the testimony. She is asking for law enforcement to fine parents who are seen smoking in their cars with a child present.
 

The bill is limited to children nine and under, or those still in a car seat.
 

Other legislation introduced in the same hearing was House bill 1236, to make the age North Dakotans can legally buy tobacco products 19, instead of 18. 
 

Representative Anderson says although 21 would be the ideal age, she thinks baby-steps are important.
 

She proposes, this would at least keep cigarettes out of the hands of high schoolers.
 

Representative Anderson explains, "People for the most part are compliant. If it's the law, it's the law, and I do think with one more year, they may not start smoking at all."
 

Representative Anderson told KX News after the hearing, that another Lawmaker is proposing raising the age of kids allowed to be in a car with a smoking parent to 12 years old.