A bill that would expand New Mexico's indoor smoking ban is now half-way to becoming law.

The fines would be the same as they are for businesses that let people smoke inside, starting at $100 and topping off at $300 for repeat offenders.

The well-known dangers of second-hand smoke propelled the bill through the Senate after a lively debate.

"We have to think about little babies and children that are unable to think for themselves or to change the behavior of a responsible adult," said Senator Sue Wilson Beffort of Sandia Park.

“Somewhere common sense is going to have to prevail. We hope parents don't do this, but I'm just not certain that we're gonna see a difference," said Senator John Arthur Smith of Deming.

A Harvard University study says as many as 45 percent of American children are exposed to second-hand smoke from adults who light up at home or in the car.

The vote in the Senate was 26 to 12. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. If they agree, the bill goes to the governor for the final approval.

Four states already have the same law on their books.