New York

Status of Legislation to Ban or Limit the Sale of Novelty and Toylike Lighters

New York has introduced legislation banning or limiting the sale of novelty and toylike lighters.

2012 Legislative Session

Jan 4: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored and introduced Assembly Bill 8402. The Bill, which prohibits the retail sale and distribution of novelty lighters, was referred to consumer affairs and protection committee.

2011 Legislative Session

Mar 15: The Assembly Bill was referred to Codes.

Mar 9: The Assembly Bill was amended and recommitted to Consumer Affairs and Protection.

Jan 12: Assemblyman Audrey I. Pheffer introduced Assembly Bill 1981, which:

• prohibits the retail sale, distribution, or offer to sell at retail to any person in the state, novelty lighters;
• provides definition of novelty lighters;
• establishes civil penalties;
• makes exception to those not intending the sale of novelty lighters in New York State; and
• provides no person is subject to a civil penalty for any violation occurring before the 31st day of enactment.

2010 Legislative Session

New York introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 6875 and Senate Bill 3380) in the 2010 session but neither bill was acted upon.