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Minnesota Legislature passes bill to make foster homes smoke-free

The Minnesota Legislature passed the Health and Human Services Policy Omnibus Bill, with a provision to ensure that foster homes are smoke-free, according to a press release.

The measure was supported by 93% of voters and the National Foster Parent Association.

“Smoke-free foster care means protecting Minnesota children from dangerous secondhand smoke,” Molly Moilanen, director of public affairs at ClearWay Minnesota, said in the release. “This bill becoming law will ensure healthier homes for children in foster care throughout our state.”

The literature has established that children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop chronic medical conditions such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, asthma attacks and ear infections, according to the release.

Nine Minnesota counties and more than 25 states are implementing smoke-free policies in foster homes, the release said.

For more information:

Minnesota State Legislature. May 16, 2014.