Illinois Lawmakers Kill Effort To Extend Smoking Ban

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

Here's a story of senators saying government should butt out.

A bill to outlaw smoking in cars while kids are in the car failed in the state legislature. State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) sponsored the bill on public health grounds, saying second-hand smoke can be fatal, particularly when you're exposed to it in a confined space.

One lawmaker, State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), suggested it was another way to promote racial profiling, saying the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus opposes it.

Another senator, Tim Bivins (R-Dixon), a former sheriff, mused, "We are offering to decriminalize marijuana, but at the same time, we are criminalizing tobacco."

SB 729 failed to pass the Senate, 8-32-3.