Bill > SB0512

This bill amends Tennessee law to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or free sampling of counterfeit and unsafe lighters, with specific definitions for these terms. A counterfeit lighter is defined as one that infringes on an intellectual property right, while an unsafe lighter is a device that fails to meet specific American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards for different types of lighters. The bill defines a lighter as any electrical or mechanical device using fuel to ignite cigarettes, cigars, pipes, grills, or fireplaces. The legislation provides two key exceptions to the prohibition: interstate transportation of such lighters through Tennessee and storage in warehouses or distribution centers not open to the public for retail sales. Violations of this law will be considered an unfair or deceptive act under existing consumer protection statutes, with potential penalties. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to conduct occurring on or after that date, ultimately aiming to protect consumers from potentially dangerous or illegally produced lighters.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0512&ga=114