Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB90

Filed
11/10/08  
Out of House Committee
4/14/09  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the sale of toy-like lighters in this state; imposing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB90 would introduce severe penalties for violations of the prohibition on novelty lighters, classifying any offense under this chapter as a Class C misdemeanor. This could lead to fines or other legal repercussions for manufacturers and retailers who violate the new law, thereby affecting businesses operating in the state. The bill specifically exempts lighters manufactured before January 1, 1980, those which do not contain fuel, and those lacking the necessary components to produce combustion, thereby focusing enforcement on newer, potentially hazardous products.

Summary

House Bill 90 aims to prohibit the sale, manufacture, or distribution of novelty lighters within the state of Texas. A novelty lighter is defined as a lighter that has entertaining audio or visual effects, or that resembles objects appealing to children, such as toys or cartoon characters. By establishing this regulation, the bill addresses concerns related to the safety of children and the potential dangers that such novelty items could pose. The legislation seeks to mitigate risks associated with these lighters, which are often marketed towards youth and may encourage unsafe behaviors concerning fire use.

Contention

The discussion around HB90 likely centers on the balance between protecting children and allowing businesses to sell certain products. Proponents of the bill may argue that it is a necessary step to improve fire safety and protect public health, while critics might contend that this legislation overreaches and could disproportionately affect small businesses. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of such regulations and the implications for personal choice in consumer products.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4481

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB2054

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB5234

Relating to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.