BISMARCK (AP) -- Legislators have decided that North Dakota cigarette merchants should be restricted to selling only slower-burning cigarettes by August 2010. They're intended to cut down on fires caused by stray cigarettes.
The state Senate gave final legislative approval to the measure Wednesday. At least 38 other states have approved requiring the specially made cigarettes. Minnesota and Montana began selling them last year.
Minot Sen. David Hogue argued against the bill. He said it includes punitive fines and penalties.
Fargo Sen. Carolyn Nelson said the cigarettes help cut down on fire deaths and injuries, and Wyndmere Sen. Jim Dotzenrod said North Dakota tobacco retailers have not objected to the bill.
The cigarettes are made with extra paper strips that cause them to go out if the smoker is not puffing on them.
