Anthony Loubet

The bill does not remove the legal loophole known as clergy-penitent privilege. But Rep. Anthony Loubet said it could incentivize clergy members to come forward.

Similar clergy-penitent privilege bills have failed in the past. However, Rep. Anthony Loubet’s proposal has one major difference, resulting in a lack of opposition from the state's dominant faith.

Three days after it was introduced, and in the first week of the session, the bill is headed to the state Senate for consideration.

The health effects of living in bad air, experts say, are comparable to what smoking does to the body. And the economic effects, as health problems lead to higher medical bills and lost time at work and school, can also take a toll.