|
|
| Ark. Senate approves novelty ban, jail bill |
| By ANDREW DeMILLO -Pine Bluff Commerical |
| Published: 02/20/2009 |
|
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A ban on lighters that resemble cartoon characters, animals, and other novelty items and especially appeal to children was approved by the state Senate on Thursday. Wrapping up business before a three-day weekend, the Senate also approved legislation to provide more funding for county jails by increasing fines for people convicted of misdemeanors. The ban on so-called "novelty lighters" passed by a vote of 34-0 and was sent to the House. A spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe said he planned to sign the ban into law. Sen. Sharon Trusty, R-Russellville, said if the measure is approved, Arkansas will join 13 other states that already ban the lighters. Twenty cities in Arkansas also enforce the ban, she said. In September 2007, investigators attributed the deaths of 15-month-old Peyton Edwards and 2-year-old Breydon Edwards of Russellville to the boys playing with a lighter. Trusty's proposal sets fines between $25 and $500 for anyone who sells the lighters, which are often found in convenience stores and gas stations. "They go against everything we teach about fire prevention," Trusty said. "They are like toys, but they're dangerous." The new funding mechanism for county jails, which the House has already approved, now heads to Beebe's desk. Under the bill, the fine for a Class A misdemeanor would increase from $1,000 to $2,500. Fines for a Class B misdemeanor would go up to $1,000 from $500, and Class C misdemeanor fines would increase to $500 from $100. The bill also would increase the fine that cities can collect from defendants who plead guilty or no contest in district court. The fine, currently $5, would rise to $20. That money would go toward the construction, maintenance and operation of jails, as well as the cost that cities pay to house their prisoners elsewhere. Read more. If link has expired, check the website of the article's original news source. |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Various apps are available to use. WalmartOne is an app designed to be used in mobiles for associates of Walmart. Associates and employees can access all information from WalmartOne Login page.