Next month a new law banning smoking from areas such as covered parking lots will take effect. Meanwhile, the measure's author is already moving forward with new bills to prohibit smoking in other places, including cars with kids in them, and state parks. Marianne Russ reports.
Newly-elected state Senator Jenny Oropeza wants to outlaw smoking at all state parks and beaches. The Democrat says even though they're not enclosed spaces, a ban is appropriate:
Jenny Oropeza:
If you're sitting next to somebody on a beach, you're still getting their second-hand smoke.
Her bill would establish a $250 fine for violators. On its website, Philip Morris states "complete bans on outdoor smoking go too far."
Oropeza is also bringing back a bill that was narrowly defeated in the Assembly last year. It would prohibit smoking in cars when children under 18 are in the vehicle. The fine for violations would be up to $100. In January the law she authored as an assemblywoman prohibiting smoking in areas such as covered parking lots and adjacent stairwells.
