Smoking With Kids In Cars Now Illegal In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A new Illinois law, sponsored by Northbrook Democrat Rep. Jonathan Carroll, outlaws smoking in cars while kids are present. A release from the lawmaker's office says the law is meant to prioritize the health and well-being of children.

"Taking preventative measures now to protect children will help with health care and health care costs down the road," Carroll said in the release.

If there's a minor under the age of 17 in a vehicle, moving or not, the law, formerly House Bill 2276, bans anybody from smoking within.

Both chambers passed the bill, sending it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk, where it was signed into law.

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

A new law in Illinois known as Tobacco 21, was signed in July, raising Illinois' smoking age to 21.