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by Austin Pratt
A new bill introduced at the Alabama Statehouse aims to impose stricter penalties for individuals using marijuana in vehicles with children present. The legislation, known as House Bill 72, would classify smoking or vaping marijuana in a car with a child as a Class-A misdemeanor, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or parked, and irrespective of window position.
The bill's sponsor, Alabama Rep. Patrick Sellers, emphasized the importance of protecting children from secondhand exposure and addressing concerns raised by schools. "I kept listening to the concerns of educators, administrators, principals across the district, and one of the most alarming things is the smell and the sight of usage of marijuana within the cars as they drop kids off. And then kids have secondhand contact," Sellers said.
In addition to criminal penalties, the proposed legislation mandates that offenders attend an in-person education course on the dangers of drug use around children. Law enforcement would be required to report violations to child welfare officials. The measure also stipulates that mandatory reporters must file a report if a child smells of marijuana, treating it as suspected abuse or neglect.
Rep. Sellers highlighted the growing prevalence of marijuana use around children and its impact on education. "Marijuana usage has become almost normal. There was a time when people wouldn't do that before they dropped their kids off at school. It's affecting the ability for kids to learn and comprehend and be coherent and have a productive day at school," he said.
If passed, HB72 would take effect in October.
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