Senate approves ban on novelty lighters

State Sens. Chris Steineger and David Haley, both Democrats from Kansas City, sample novelty cigarette lighters collected by state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita. The Senate on Thursday approved a bill to ban the lighters.

The Kansas Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would ban so-called novelty cigarette lighters.

The measure was approved 32-8 without debate and sent to the House for consideration.

State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, authored Senate Bill 342, saying that the lighters, which often look like cartoon characters or household items, are too attractive for children.

State Health Officer Jason Eberhart-Phillips also testified in favor of the bill.