Ark. House OKs ban on novelty lighters

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- A bill banning the sale and distribution of novelty cigarette lighters is headed to Gov. Mike Beebe.

The House voted 97-0 on Tuesday in favor of the bill by Sen. Sharon Trusty of Russellville. The lighters, which often resemble toys or cartoon characters, have already been banned in several Arkansas cities.

The measure has was previously approved by the Senate, and Beebe's office has said the governor plans to sign it into law. The bill sets a fine of between $25 to $500 for retailers selling the lighters.