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 August 8, 2008, the following states have enacted novelty lighter legislation:

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	The state fire marshal introduced an assessment to the General Assembly on January 1, 2008, regarding the degree to which novelty lighter sales may increase the likelihood of accidental fire and related injury or death. A House Amendment was later passed that tasked the Department of Public Safety with submitting a report by January 1, 2009, to define the term novelty lighter; identify of options for reasonable restrictions on the sale, possession, or use of novelty lighters; and options for enforcement of any such restrictions.
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."
Missouri	A bill was introduced on May 16, 2008, that would prohibit certain businesses and persons from selling or giving away certain operable novelty lighters.
New York	A bill was introduced on April 22, 2008, that would prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.
Tennessee	A bill was signed into law on April 23, 2008, that prohibits the sale of novelty lighters without safeties.
Vermont	A bill was introduced on January 22, 2008, that would prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.

*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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