The House has rejected legislation banning smoking in cars with young passengers as a violation of the adults’ civil liberties.
Critics said the state shouldn’t infringe on the adults’ use of private property. They also said the refraining from smoking around children is common sense and should not be legislated.
But supporters argued the safety of children and their civil rights trumps the rights of adults. They said children have no defense against second-hand smoke in confined places.
The House voted 184-167 to kill the bill.