Alabama Lawmakers Debate Bill to Protect Children from Marijuana Smoke in Vehicles – WBMA
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by Ashonti Ford
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — A bill moving through the Alabama Legislature is drawing both support and criticism as lawmakers debate how best to protect children from secondhand marijuana smoke.
House Bill 72, sponsored by State Representative Patrick Sellers, would make it a misdemeanor to smoke marijuana in a vehicle when a child is present. The bill would also expand reporting and educational requirements for cases involving children exposed to marijuana smoke.
Supporters argue the legislation is about safeguarding children’s health, while critics warn it could lead to unintended consequences.
House Bill 72 has returned to the spotlight at the State House, targeting what Sellers calls a growing public health concern.
“So House Bill 72 is a bill that's really focused around children and protecting our children from secondhand marijuana smoke,” Sellers said.
Sellers emphasized that the bill does not legalize marijuana or increase penalties for its possession, noting that marijuana remains illegal in Alabama. Instead, the legislation adds specific protections for children riding in vehicles.
“The first thing is that marijuana is illegal in the state of Alabama, so there's already laws against that,” Sellers said. “This doesn't further criminalize anyone, but what it does is it says you should not be smoking in a car with a child.”
In addition to penalties, the bill includes an educational component developed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The program would be used in situations where children are exposed to marijuana smoke.
“The only thing that's added to that is an educational piece designed by the Alabama Health Department,” Sellers explained.
Sellers said the issue gained his attention after conversations with teachers and school leaders in his district, who reported concerns about students arriving at school smelling like marijuana.
“Kids come to school, especially elementary school kids, and they smell just like marijuana,” he said. “You stand in a car line one day and you'll get a contact.”
He also cited potential long-term health effects of secondhand exposure, including developmental delays and respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.
The bill has already passed the Alabama House and now moves to the Senate, where it must clear committee review and a full floor vote before the legislative session ends.
“Hopefully we may get it done before the end of session,” Sellers said. “If not, we'll start all over again next year.”
Despite ongoing debate, Sellers says his goal remains clear.
“My message is: let’s protect our children—every single child in the state of Alabama,” he said. “That’s what this is about.”
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