OLYMPIA – The Washington state legislature returned to work Monday with some pet proposals that are sure to spark some debate.

The state already required you to buckle up and put babies in a child seat - all in the name of safety. Now lawmakers say why not spare children from second-hand smoke?

Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, is promoting a bill she calls "The Washington Health Partnership." She says it would give comprehensive health coverage to people who don't get Medicare, Medicaid or other public health care.

The health of young children is also being cited in House Bill 2519, which would ban smoking in cars containing people younger than 18-years-old.

Monday afternoon, the House Transportation Committee heard testimony on the bill that would outlaw smoking in cars with passengers under 18.

The legislation has wide support from law enforcement to health organizations. Even tobacco companies are not opposing the bill.

But some people say the government should butt out. The Evergreen Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank in Olympia, mentioned the bill in a blog under the category "Stupid Bills."

Three states, including California and Arkansas, already have such a ban in place. A dozen other states are considering it too.

There was no opposition at the committee hearing Monday. If the bill passes, the infraction would only be a secondary offense, meaning an officer would first have to stop someone for another violoation, such as speeding or running a red light, but could add the penalty.

Washington State already has a law prohibiting foster parents from smoking while a child is in the car.

If passed, it would also come just two years after voters approved a ban on smoking in public places statewide.

KING 5's Chris Daniels and Bernard Choi contributed to this report.