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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 25, 2013 12:20 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Co-Sponsorship Request – Prohibiting the Use of Tobacco in Recreational Areas |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and prohibit the use of tobacco in recreational areas. Exposure to secondhand smoke can be detrimental to the general health and wellbeing of women, men and children. As reported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency, children exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of ear infections, lower respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. In fact, children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke may suffer more severe and frequent attacks that may result in serious injury and in some instances can be fatal. With the assistance of numerous organizations, the state and federal lawmakers have worked to increase awareness of the deadly consequences secondhand smoke and the impact it can have on the health of all individuals. To further reduce the amount of exposure children have to secondhand smoke, we must take steps to ensure the areas regularly frequented by children are smoke-free. My legislation attempts to address this issue by prohibiting the use of tobacco in recreational areas, including outdoor parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and other facilities primarily designed to be used by minors. Any individual that uses tobacco in these areas will be guilty of a summary offense. First time offenders would not be charged with a reportable criminal act and it would not be included on the individual’s record, however, any second or subsequent offense will be considered a summary offense and would be reported on the individual’s criminal record. In addition, my legislation would require notices to be posted at the public entrances of these designated areas and if notice is not posted and notice of the prohibition was not made, the individual would not be subject to penalty under the law. Please join me in ensuring that our children are not being exposed to secondhand smoke while attempting to be active in our communities. |
Introduced as HB1549