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Pick up your butts, bill takes aim at Virginia smokers

Posted at 8:46 AM, Jan 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-14 12:18:03-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Virginia Del. Joe Morrissey (D - Henrico) has submitted two bills to the 2013 General Assembly that would impact people who smoke.

One would make it against the law to smoke in a car with a child inside.

Another, House Bill 1367,would make it against the law to litter with cigarette butts. Currently, cigarette butts are not included on the list of "illegal litter."

Under the bill, anyone caught littering with cigarette butts would be fined up to $100.

Del. Morrissey said he has received support for this bill from both Democrats and Republicans. Morrissey said he proposed this bill to help protect Virginia's natural beauty.

"Every year 12 Olympic size swimming pools filled with cigarette butts find their way into our iconic Chesapeake Bay. I want to stop that, " Del. Morrissey said.

Click here to track the bill through the General Assembly.