Relating to the distribution of counterfeit and unsafe lighters, and making penalties applicable

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedMarch 5, 2025
Done: SubcommitteeMarch 5, 2025
Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
Next: Passes the House
Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

People in Iowa are not allowed to sell or give away lighters that are fake or unsafe. This rule does not apply to lighters being shipped through the state or stored in private warehouses. Anyone who breaks this law could face fines of up to $5,000.

In plain words: an automated summary of the official explanation below. It can miss details; the explanation and the bill are what count.

The official explanation

This bill prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, or offering a free sample of a counterfeit or unsafe lighter, defined in the bill, in this state. The bill does not apply to counterfeit or unsafe lighters that pass through this state as part of interstate commerce or counterfeit or unsafe lighters that are stored in a warehouse or distribution center in this state, if the warehouse or distribution center is not open to the public for the purposes of retail sale or distribution. The bill continues to apply if federal fire safety standards for cigarettes that preempt Code chapter 101B (cigarette fire safety standards) are enacted.

Read the full explanation

By operation of law, a violation of the bill is punishable by a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent offense, to be deposited in the general fund of the state. A violation is subject to a civil action by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing or the attorney general for injunctive relief or to recover any costs or damages.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named March 5, 2025. It hasn’t reported yet.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§101B.9

Amends§101B.10

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Lobbying

1 for · 0 against · 3 undecided · Who →