Calif bill bans novelty lighters that attract kids

Calif bill bans novelty lighters that attract kids
The Associated Press
Posted: 08/27/2009 12:45:23 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—If it looks like a duck and acts like it can light things on fire, it would be banned in California.

The state Senate is sending Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a bill outlawing novelty cigarette lighters that look like toys.

Sen. Rod Wright, a Democrat from Inglewood, says the lighters attract children who inadvertently use them to start fires.

The bill's author, Assemblymember Ted Lieu, a Democrat from Torrance, says the lighters can look like cartoon characters or flashlights and some make sounds. The measure passed Thursday, 22-12.

The National Volunteer Fire Council says the lighters can tempt even children who have been taught not to play with matches or fire.

California will join 13 other states that ban such devices if Schwarzenegger signs the bill into law.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13216231