Mississippi

Mississippi

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

2010 Legislative Session

Mississippi has reintroduced legislation.

Mar. 11: House Bill 232 and Senate Bill 2859 have passed through the State legislature. Mississippi HB 232 passed 94-25 and SB 2859 passed by a 44-7 margin. The Bill is awaiting the signature of Governor Haley Barbour. Should the Governor sign the bill, the law goes into effect on July 1, 2010.

Feb. 11: On February 10, the Mississippi House passed (94-25) HB 232 prohibiting the sale of novelty lighters. Mississippi firefighters and State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney say the devices, which can look like anything from toy frogs to tiny guitars, endanger children's safety. Many are sized to fit comfortably into toddlers' hands. Lawmakers voting against HB 232 stated it should be the responsibility of parents, not state officials, to keep the lighters away from children. On February 11, the bill moved to the Senate where SB 2859 passed by a vote of 44-7. If signed by the Governor, the law would take effect on July 1, 2010.

2009 Legislative Session

Mississippi failed to pass legislation banning or limiting the sale of novelty and toylike lighters.