City Times Staff

Rep. Scott Krug (Rome) voted this week to pass a new bill limiting the display and sale of novelty lighters.

This bill prohibits the sale of novelty lighters to minors and prohibits the display for retail sale of novelty lighters in an area of a retail establishment that is accessible to the general public. Under the bill, “novelty lighter” means a device containing a combustible fuel.

The bill provides that “novelty lighter” does not include any device manufactured before 1980; a device intended for use in igniting a fire in a fireplace or wood stove or in a charcoal or gas grill; or a standard disposable or refillable lighter that is printed or decorated with logos, labels, decals, artwork or heat-shrinkable sleeves.

Under the bill, a person who violates the prohibitions in the bill is subject to a forfeiture of up to $100.

“This is an issue that has been around for several years now and it hits close to home for me as well,” said Krug in a statement. “I’ve been working on this bill to restrict the sale and display of novelty lighters to better protect our children. I’m happy to see so much support for it.”

The bill had a public hearing last month and was passed today by unanimous vote. The bill is now awaiting scheduling for a full assembly vote.