ASSEMBLY, No. 660

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 1996 SESSION

By Assemblyman ZECKER

An Act prohibiting the possession of matches and lighters by certain minors and supplementing Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. No minor under the age of 16 years shall possess or have under his control matches, a lighter or lighter fluid as defined in P.L.1991, c.487 (C.51:13-1) unless in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of the minor's parent or guardian or other authoritative adult. A person who violates this section shall be punished by a fine of $100.

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill would make it unlawful for anyone under age 16 to possess matches, a lighter or lighter fluid unless under the supervision of a parent or guardian or other authoritative adult, and imposes a $100 fine for violators.

    As defined in P.L.1991, c.487 (C.51:13-1), a lighter is designed for the purpose of lighting a fire, cigarette, cigar or pipe. There is no apparent need for a minor to possess matches or a lighter. Permitting minors to possess matches and lighters encourages the prevalent problem of teen smoking. Matches and lighters also can be dangerous because they are used to start fires. The enactment of this bill would protect the public health and safety by dissuading our teens from smoking.

Makes it unlawful for minor under 16 to possess matches or lighter.