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Bill Banning Novelty Lighters Fails in Legislature
An idea to outlaw cigarette lighters that could be mistaken for a toy -- or something else that could be attractive to little ones -- has failed at the state Capitol.

Members of the House had varying reasons for voting against the bill, sponsored by State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana). Some believed it was not written clearly enough, while others, such as State Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), thought it smacked of "Big Brother." "Teachers!" Rose cried, recalling an earlier debate. "Kids are going to the bathroom without washing their hands! Look out! Look out! Oh, my God! It's the end of the world, the sky's falling!"

After the bill failed, State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) says while the bill may have been flawed, it deserved more respect than it got, especially since it had the endorsement of fire chiefs, who say "novelty lighters" are responsible for about 300 deaths a year.

S.B. 2180 has failed in the House, 51-65-2.

(Illinois Radio Network)
05 24 09 by Newsroom
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