ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland residents would not be able to smoke in a vehicle with a passenger younger than 8, under a measure that has received preliminary approval in the state Senate.

The Senate blocked two amendments Monday night that were offered by Sen. Edward Reilly, R-Anne Arundel.

Reilly tried to change the bill so a violation of the law would be a secondary, rather than a primary, offense. As a primary offense, police officer would be able to pull someone over for the offense.

Senators also shot down an amendment that would have prevented a child from riding in a vehicle in which someone had smoked at all.

Supporters of the measure as it currently stands say it is needed to protect children from second-hand smoke.