§ 47-18-129 — Sale or gift of certain novelty lighters prohibited

(a) No supplier of novelty cigarette lighters in this state, including a manufacturer, distributor, importer, retailer or anyone giving away lighters as prizes or promotions, shall sell or give away an operable novelty lighter. This prohibition does not apply to the transportation of novelty lighters through this state or the storage of novelty lighters in a warehouse or distribution center in this state that is closed to the public for purposes of retail sales. (b) This section shall not apply to cigarette lighters that were made before January 1, 1980, or that are considered to be collectable items. (c) "Novelty lighter" means a mechanical or electrical device typically used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes that has entertaining audio or visual effects, or that resembles, in physical form or function, articles commonly recognized as appealing to or intended for use by children ten (10) years of age or younger. This includes, but is not limited to, lighters that resemble cartoon characters, toys, guns, watches, musical instruments, vehicles, toy animals, food or beverages, or that play musical notes or have flashing lights or other entertaining features. A novelty lighter may operate on any fuel, including butane or liquid fuel. (d) Any violation of this section is a prohibited practice under § 47-18-104 . (e) The commissioner of commerce and insurance is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this section. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

Legislative History

Acts 2008, ch. 798, § 1.