Novelty Lighter Legislation

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Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation. Because novelty lighters look like toys, children are tempted to play with them even if they have been taught that handling lighters is dangerous. Fatal fires caused by novelty lighters have been documented in several states. Some local and state governments are taking action by banning their sale and limiting distribution.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) supports restricting novelty lighter sales. In 2007, NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg sent a letter to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Nancy Nord requesting that the CPSC prohibit the importation, sale, and distribution of novelty lighters in the United States.

Federal Legislation

The “Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act” (S. 3375) was introduced in the United States Senate on July 31, 2008, by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Chris Dodd (D-CT). The bill bans the sale of novelty lighters. It has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

State Legislation

As of March 12, 2009, the following states have enacted novelty lighter legislation:

Arizona	A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters (HB2537-491 R) was introtuced in the House.
Arkansas	A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters was signed into law.
Connecticut	A bill (SB-907) was introduced as a committee bill by the Public Safety and Security Committee.
Hawaii	A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters (HB927, SB1061) was introduced.
Illinois	A bill urging Congress to ban novelty lighters was placed on the calendar on April 15, 2008, and the resolution was adopted by the House on May 14, 2008.
Iowa	A bill (SF143) was introduced on February 11, 2009 requiring the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study on novelty lighters to be completed by January 1, 2010.
Kansas	A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters was introduced in the House on February 5, 2009 (HB2268) and the Senate on January 26, 2009 (SB106).
Maine	A bill was signed into law on March 24, 2008, prohibiting the sale of novelty lighters.
Michigan	A bill was introduced on March 11, 2008, with 17 cosponsors, that authorizes the state fire marshal to "disapprove the sale of any novelty lighters." On September 23, the bill was referred to a Senate committee.
Missouri	A bill (HB98) was introduced on January 8, 2009 that would prohibit certain businesses and persons from selling or giving away novelty lighters.
New Jersey	A bill (A3207 and S2151) banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters was introduced in the fall of 2008.
New York	A bill was introduced on April 22, 2008, that would prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.
Oregon	A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty lighters was signed into law.
Tennessee	A bill was signed into law on April 23, 2008, that prohibits the sale of novelty lighters without safeties.
Texas	A bill was introduced in the Texas House that would prohibit the sale of novelty lighters and charge offenders with a Class C misdemeanor.
Vermont	A bill (H99) that would prohibit the sale of novelty lighters was referred to the Committee on Government Operations on January 29, 2009..
Virginia	A bill (HB No. 2578) that would prohibit the purchase of novelty lighters for those under the age of 18 was introduced on January 30, 2009. The bill is awaiting the governor's signature.
Washington	A bill (HB1015 and SB5011) prohibiting the sale and distribution of certain novelty lighters was introduced on January 12, 2009 and has been considered in both House and Senate committees.

*If your state has introduced or passed novelty lighter legislation that is not listed here, please contact the NVFC at nvfcoffice@nvfc.org or 1-888-ASK-NVFC (275-6832).

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