The things Nevada’s legislators think are important while the state’s economy crumbles around them never ceases to amaze me.
Consider that one of the few bills already passed this year – in addition to the third largest tax increase in history – was for the absolutely critical purpose of designating an official state…bug (thank you, Ass. Stewart). Now we have a bill (AB 266 by Democrat Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera) to ban certain “novelty” lighters in the state.
A person nabbed by the Novelty Lighter Police would be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $500. And here’s what Johnny O thinks is such a danger to the public that its sale needs to be banned by the government (you know, like meth and heroin and inter-continental ballistic missiles):
“As used in this section, ‘novelty lighter’: (a) Means a mechanical or electrical device which is typically used for lighting cigarettes, cigars or pipes that may operate on any fuel, including, without limitation, butane, isobutene or liquid fuel, and which: (1) Is designed to resemble a cartoon character, toy, gun, watch, musical instrument, vehicle, animal, food, beverage or other similar article; or (2) Plays musical notes, has flashing lights or has other similar entertaining features.”
Now, to make the stupid even more absurd, get this; the ban does not include the following:
1.) “A lighter incapable of being fueled or lacking a device necessary to produce combustion or a flame.”
So cigarette lighters which resemble cartoon characters or play music but which don’t work can still be sold. Makes perfect sense.
2.) “Any mechanical or electrical device primarily used to ignite fuel for fireplaces or for charcoal or gas grills.”
So, as long as you use a lighter which looks like a cartoon character or plays music to fire up the Weber rather than light a stogie, you’re fine.
The only thing stupider than the bill itself is the fact one Republican member of the Assembly saw fit to join with every feel-good (it was “for the children,” after all), mush-headed Democrat member of the Assembly in voting for this stupid bill.
Chad Christensen of Las Vegas.
Christensen, by way, also failed to support repeal of the mandatory motorcycle helmet law while backing new cost-raising coverage mandates on health insurance companies.
Seems we might have a little mini-Dennis Nolan in the making here.
