Bill to Ban Smoking in Foster Homes | Health

An anti-smoking push continues in Minnesota with a new proposal to ban smoking around foster children. It's authored by democratic Representative Tina Liebling of Rochester.

Right now in Minnesota, people are allowed to smoke in homes that are licensed for foster care. The bill would do away with that.

Liebling says it's important because most times kids are put into foster care because of health issues so she doesn't see why they should be subjected to second-hand smoke.

"This is about the health of our children our most vulnerable children, children who are wards of our state who are with us for their health and safety so it incumbent on us to protect them from a known health hazard," said Liebling.

The bill hasn't gotten a hearing this session and will not likely pass this time around. If so, Liebling says she'll push for it next session.