The Assembly voted 44-11 to send the measure, which was championed by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, on to the state Senate, the Sacramento Bee reported Tuesday.

Maze said his legislation, which has been mocked by many including conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, is an issue to be taken seriously.

"It's a safety measure," he said, explaining that cuddly lapdogs in cars can lead to road accidents.

Animal lovers in the state are split on the issue, with some hailing it as common sense and others objecting to being told how to care for their pets.

"I think we can probably spend the government's money on more significant issues," said dog lover Vickie Cleary of Antelope, Calif.

But Bill Hemby, chairman of pet owners group PetPAC, said pets can distract drivers and cause serious collisions.

"I think it's a dangerous thing, especially if you have a small dog that falls on your feet and you can't hit the gas pedal or the brake," he said.

Maze said the bill would impose fines of between $35 and $150 for violations.