Illinois legislators could ban smoking if children are in the car.
The America Lung Association's Kathy Drea says it's meant to protect kids.
"Second-hand smoke exposure causes SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome -- asthma episodes, which can also be fatal. We know that it causes all kinds of respiratory infections, inner ear infections."
A violation of the ban would trigger a fine of up to one hundred dollars.
Although the measure recently passed out of a Senate committee, Drea acknowledges it's a sensitive topic.
Opponents include an organization for African Americans.
Already, studies show black drivers are more likely to be pulled over than white drivers.