SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law sponsored by state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, bans smoking in cars when children are present.

“Illinois must prioritize the health and wellbeing of children, and my new law is a good step in that direction,” said Carroll. “Taking preventative measures now to protect children will help with health care and health care costs down the road.”

Carroll’s House Bill 2276 prohibits anyone from smoking in a vehicle, moving or not, while there is a minor under the age of 17 in the vehicle. The legislation passed both chambers with broad bipartisan support earlier this session and was recently signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, even smoke in vehicles with rolled down windows can pose a significant secondhand risk to children and other passengers. Carroll also supported legislation this session raising the minimum smoking age to 21 in order to protect minors.

“It is a fact that secondhand smoke is as harmful as chronically smoking, and it shouldn’t be anywhere near children,” said Carroll. “Children’s health comes first in my book, and I will always fight for good legislation that accomplishes that.”