COLUMBUS -- Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban smoking in cars when there are passengers six or younger.
Dr. Robert Bates is a Cleveland Clinic physician who specializes in smoking risks impacting children.
"We do see increased inflammation and increased cardiovascular problems, particularly in children. We see problems of allergies asthma and more bronchitis. ... There is no safe dose of cigarette smoke, particularly for children," he said.
He believes the ban should be extended to 17 years and younger. California is one of several states with such a ban and has the higher age.
Cleveland's Jesse McKenzie and Anna O'Keefe see both sides of the argument. Anna smokes. Jesse does not.
Both don't like the idea of the government declaring their truck a no smoking zone.
"It's your right . You are American. You can do what you want to do," O'Keefe said.
But both support a law that would protect their children, Keenan and Allison.
McKenzie said, "The kids don't want to smoke, they're not choosing to smoke."
Other smokers agree children's health should trump personal rights.
"My liberties and rights are taken away. But when it pertains to children, that's our future," smoker Nicole Perkins said.
Ohio smokers cannot light up in public buildings, sports stadiums, stores, restaurants, schools and bars.
Some say, today it's our car, tomorrow it's our house.
Some lawmakers question how the law would be enforced and how police would know children's ages.
Other states make it a secondary violation, meaning drivers must be nabbed for another traffic offense.
The bill is being introduced by Columbus Democratic State Senator Charleta Tavares.
The proposed fine is $500 for a first offense.
It has a long way to go before it could possibly become law.
Roosevelt Harris is a smoker who expects increasing regulations.
"Long as I can get a little plot of land to smoke on, I can live with it," he said.