House Bill 343 amends Tennessee law to introduce regulations concerning the sale and distribution of lighters, specifically targeting counterfeit and unsafe lighters. A new section, 47-18-136, defines key terms such as "counterfeit lighter," "lighter," and "unsafe lighter," and prohibits the sale or distribution of these items. The bill specifies that a "counterfeit lighter" infringes on intellectual property rights, while an "unsafe lighter" fails to meet established safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Exceptions to this prohibition include the interstate transportation of such lighters and their storage in non-public warehouses.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 47-18-104(b) to classify violations of the new section as unfair or deceptive acts, thereby subjecting offenders to penalties outlined in existing law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to actions occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-18-104(b), 47-18-104