Representative Slawik,
I have several concerns with this bill.
First, I understand protecting our kids, but I am not one of those that believes the government can do it better than the parents. I could see legislating a ban on youth smoking while driving, but not legislating parental responsibility.
Second, I am curious as to why you introduced this bill now. With all of the budget issues our state faces, why did you introduce such a divisive bill that will only take time, effort and attention away from the state's bigger problems.
Third, this just feels like a bill that many people will support, yet will not make it very far through the process. I'm worried that this bill is just a political tool to say that you and its other authors care for kids and its opponents don't.
Instead of legislating parental responsibility, I think it would be more productive to protect the tobacco lawsuit funds from the governor's budget proposal. Instead of penalizing poor decisions and addiction, use your legislative powers to protect the tool that has contributed to a significant decline in overall smoking, the tobacco lawsuit funds.
