Many other states and countries (like Maine, Illinois, Utah, and others) have already made this ban so that minors who have no choice in where they go don't have to be inhaling smoke every time they get in the car. Secondhand smoke has already been shown to have extremely harmful effects (especially in children), so making this change to Texas law would be a positive move towards keeping our kids healthy and safe. 

Although, I strongly disagree (with good reason) with smoking and all of it's harmful effects, I know that it is still an individual's right to choose what they do with their body. This law would protect the individuals in the car who currently have no choice over their own health when they are in the car with their parents. Making this change could prevent a multitude of health problems in children.

Personally, my parents have been heavy smokers all my life and being in a car with them was absolutely miserable. They were such heavy smokers that a former teacher of mine almost sent me to the office because I reeked of cigarettes when I got a ride to school and she thought I was the one who was smoking. I'm especially worried because now there is a much younger child in their care and I don't want any health problems to affect him because they couldn't get their habit under control.

In conclusion, this law would benefit all of Texas children and reduce the risks that smoking has on children under 18 years of age.

Sources:

https://no-smoke.org/at-risk-places/cars/ 

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/index.htm#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20risk-free,infant%20death%20syndrome%20(SIDS)

https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/why-quit/smoking-health-problems#:~:text=Your%20lungs%20can%20be%20very,obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease%20(COPD)