House Passes Bill Banning Dangerous Toylike Novelty Lighters

Bill is part of House Democrats' 2009 Roadmap for Oregon's future.

Salem-News.com photo by Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - The House of Representative today passed HB 2365 banning themanufacture, sale, and distribution of dangerous and deceptive, toylike novelty lighters on a unanimous vote. Readily available at hardware stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, toy-like novelty lighters are easily mistaken for toys and routinely contribute to unintentional fires and injuries to children and families. "As a former police officer and current firefighter, I'm happy to see we're taking an active role in protecting our children and families from burn injury, death, and property loss," explained Representative Greg Matthews (D-Gresham). "We cannot and should not wait any longer to get these dangerous products off the shelves." "The hard work done by the State Fire Marshal's office and the Fire Safety Community has been thorough and extraordinary," said Representative Paul Holvey (D-Eugene). "Their leadership on this critical issue has proven vital to the success of the bill." "If it's predictable, it's preventable," said Randy Simpson, Oregon's State Fire Marshal. "This bill gives us the ability to prevent the fire danger these lighters pose to children, families, and communities." Banning the sale of dangerous toys, including toy-like novelty lighters, is part of the Oregon House Democrats' 2009 Roadmap for Oregon's Future, according to today's news release. HB 2365 awaits a vote in the Senate. Source: Oregon Legislature