Mississippi House Advances Bill Banning Toy Lighters

Cigarette lighters that look like toys would be banned, under a proposal that’s advancing in the Mississippi Legislature.

The House passed a bill, 94-25, this week to prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.

Mississippi firefighters and state Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said the devices endanger children’s safety.

The lighters can look like anything from toy frogs to tiny guitars. Many are sized to fit comfortably into toddlers’ hands.

Some lawmakers said it should be the responsibility of parents, not state officials, to keep the lighters away from children.

The bill now moves to the Senate. The bill is House Bill 232.