Politics & Government

Florida Lawmakers Argue over Novelty Lighters Ban

In case you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of some serious stuff right now, politically speaking. Oh, you know, greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, underfunded schools, a failing health-care system -- that kind of stuff. Which is why we're just so glad the Florida House spent a...
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of some serious stuff right now, politically speaking. Oh, you know, greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, underfunded schools, a failing health-care system — that kind of stuff. Which is why we’re just so glad the Florida House spent a lot of time debating the ever-pressing topic of novelty lighters. Yes, little lighters that resemble toys. 

Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood) wants to ban them, but Rep. J.C. Planas (R-Miami) happens to be quite fond of his hot-dog-shaped lighter — no, seriously — so he tried to amend the bill to allow for lighters that resemble food, beverages, musical instruments, and guns. Which would still outlaw this [nsfw].

They then spent 45 minutes talking about this stupid, stupid nanny state measure, before a three-year-old innocently playing with a butane lighter resembling a rubber duckie accidentally lit them all on fire.

[via CFPP]

This year, make your gift count –
Invest in local news that matters.

Our work is funded by readers like you who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. Make a contribution today to help us reach our $30,000 goal!

$30,000

GET MORE COVERAGE LIKE THIS

Sign up for the This Week’s Top Stories newsletter to get the latest stories delivered to your inbox

Loading latest posts...