AUGUSTA - A bill to outlaw smoking in cars in which children under 16 are present is getting closer to final passage in the Legislature.

The Maine Senate on Thursday gave initial approval to the bill, as the House did earlier this week. There was no debate before the Senate's 23-12 vote.

The bill, which faces final House and Senate votes, would authorize $50 fines for violations, but only after the first year. In the meantime, warnings would be issued.

Supporters say the bill would protect children from the effects of secondhand smoke, while opponents warn against government interference in people's lives.