Cigarettes to be self-extinguishing, October 2007
Lynch signs law requiring cigarettes to be self-extinguishing
May 31, 2006
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire is joining four other states in requiring that all cigarettes sold be self-extinguishing or “fire safe.”
“The technology exists to make our citizens safer, and with this legislation we are taking advantage of that technology to help protect our citizens,” Gov. John Lynch said before signing the law Wednesday.
The law takes effect Oct. 1, 2007.
New York was the first state to require the cigarettes in 2004.
California, Vermont and Illinois also have enacted laws requiring self-extinguishing smokes. Vermont’s law took effect this year. California’s law takes effect next year and Illinois’ law in 2008.
California, Vermont and Illinois also have enacted laws requiring self-extinguishing smokes. Vermont’s law took effect this year. California’s law takes effect next year and Illinois’ law in 2008.
Tobacco companies last year rushed to market cigarettes wrapped in special ultra-thin paper with “speed bump” bands that inhibit burning unless a smoker draws in air.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 700 to 800 people are killed annually in the United States by fires started by unattended cigarettes.
Manufacturers argue there should be a single, nationwide standard for such cigarettes rather than various state regulations.
The New Hampshire law would automatically be repealed if federal standards are enacted.
Retailers violating the law face civil fines of up to $1,000 per sale depending on the number of cigarettes sold.
Fire-safe cigarette bill’s future in doubt
Mar. 29, 2005
SEABROOK (AP) – A Seabrook lawmaker who supports fire-safe cigarettes is calling the future of a bill that would require them uncertain.
Tobacco taxes are a key revenue source, and it could be tough to convince colleagues that smokers will still want the new products, said Rep. Al Weare, R-Seabrook, who sponsored the legislation.
A vote earlier this month sent the bill to the House’s tax-writing committee to analyze its economics. The legislation could suffer the same fate as a similar bill, which was sent to a study committee for two years, Weare said.
Fire-safe cigarettes just use more finely ground tobacco, which makes them go out if they’re left unattended for too long, he said. They are the same brands and look, cost and taste the same, he added.
