From the assembled Solons inTopeka, more evidence of what’s important to the 2010 Legislature:
Senate approves ban on lighters
By The Associated Press
Created February 12, 2010 at 7:01am
Updated February 12, 2010 at 7:11am
LAWRENCE – The Kansas Senate has approved a bill that would ban novelty cigarette lighters. Those who supported the ban say the lighters are dangerous to children because they look like cartoon characters, toys, or regular household items.
The bill was approved 32-8 without debate Thursday. It now goes to the House for consideration.
State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat, authored the bill. State Health Officer Jason Eberhart-Phillips also testified in favor of the bill.
A city ordinance banning novelty lighters went into effect in 2007 in El Cajon, California, where the local fire department discerned a connection between juvenile firesetting (“the fastest growing fire threat in the United States”) and novelty lighters, which have features attractive to children, ”including visual effects, flashing lights, musical sounds, and toy-like designs.” Similar bans are in said to be place in Maine and Tennessee. An in-depth explanation of why we need more state regulation of novelty lighters lives here, at the U.S. Fire Administration web site.
We’re relieved that the Legislature is paying attention to the important issues, and is no longer wasting time on things like the budget.
Geez.
Tags: Community activists, Legislature
