An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, providing for protection of children from second-hand smoke in vehicles; and imposing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Art Haywood and 5 co-sponsors

The bill would prohibit smoking in vehicles when a child is present to reduce minors’ exposure to second-hand smoke.

Referred to Transportation

Overview

Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania

Title: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

Subject: Miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, specifically the protection of children from second-hand smoke in vehicles; and imposing a penalty

Action History: Referred to Transportation on 2026-04-17

Sponsors: Pat Stefano (Co-sponsor), Gene Yaw (Co-sponsor), Elder Vogel (Co-sponsor), Nick Miller (Co-sponsor), Tracy Pennycuick (Co-sponsor), Art Haywood (Co-sponsor)

Purpose and Intent

SB 1282 aims to protect children from exposure to second-hand smoke while in motor vehicles. By amending Title 75 (Vehicles), the bill would create a legal framework restricting smoking in certain vehicle scenarios to reduce health risks associated with second-hand and third-hand tobacco exposure for minors.

Key Provisions (expected scope based on title and description)

Scope of prohibition: The bill would prohibit or regulate smoking inside vehicles under specified conditions where minors are present. This could include:

Prohibiting smoking in passenger vehicles when a child is present.
Extending to certain types of vehicles (e.g., school transport, rental cars, or all private passenger vehicles) as defined in the statute.

Penalties: The bill would impose a penalty for violations. This could take the form of fines or alternative penalties, and may include:

A monetary fine (amounts typically set by the statute or via schedules).
Potentially escalating penalties for repeat offenses.

Definitions: Clarifying terms such as “smoking,” “second-hand smoke,” “child,” and “vehicle” to ensure enforceability.

Enforcement and exemptions: Provisions may address enforcement methods (police, penalties collected by courts) and possible exemptions (e.g., medical necessity, temporary departures like ventilation).

Effective date: The bill would specify when the new provisions take effect after enactment, and whether transitional provisions are included.

Who Would Be Affected

Primary: Vehicle operators and passengers in vehicles where a child is present.

Secondary: Parents, guardians, caregivers, rental car operators, transportation providers, and law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing any smoking prohibition and penalties.

Broader public health impact: Reduced exposure of minors to second-hand smoke in confined indoor spaces within vehicles.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Committee stage: Referred to the House Transportation Committee (as of 2026-04-17). This indicates initial review, potential amendments, and a public hearing phase before any floor vote.

Legislative timeline: As a 2025-2026 session bill, it follows Pennsylvania’s annual or session-based timetable for committee consideration, potential floor actions, and eventual passage or dismissal. If enacted, the bill would require Governor approval to become law.

Implementation: After enactment, a defined effective date would determine when penalties apply. Agencies (e.g., Pennsylvania State Police, local police) would implement enforcement rules consistent with the act.

Note

This summary is based on the bill’s title and stated purpose. The exact language of SB 1282 would specify the protected locations, any exemptions, penalty amounts, enforcement mechanisms, and effectivity dates. For a precise understanding, consult the bill text as amended in committee and during floor proceedings.

Bill