HB57 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ron Johnson
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Fire safety, sky lanterns and novelty lighters, prohibited, penalties
Summary: HB57 would ban possession and sale of sky lanterns and novelty lighters in Alabama, with criminal penalties including a fine up to $200.
What This Bill Does
It defines sky lanterns and novelty lighters and makes it illegal to possess, sell at retail, offer to sell, distribute, or give away sky lanterns in Alabama. It also prohibits selling, offering to sell, or promoting novelty lighters, with specific narrow exceptions. Violations are criminal offenses punishable by a fine up to $200; the bill includes a local-funding constitutional exception and specifies the act becomes law after the governor approves it and a set future date.

Who It Affects
Individuals who might possess or use sky lanterns (they would be committing a criminal act if found with them or trying to sell them).
Retailers and distributors who sell or promote sky lanterns or novelty lighters (they would face criminal penalties for selling or promoting these items).

Key Provisions
Sky lanterns are defined and it is unlawful to possess, sell at retail, offer to sell at retail, distribute, or give away a sky lantern in Alabama; violations are criminal offenses with penalties (up to a $200 fine).
A novelty lighter is defined and it is unlawful to sell at retail, offer to sell at retail, give, or distribute for retail sale or promotion a novelty lighter in Alabama; there are specified exceptions (e.g., devices for fireplaces/grills, standard lighters with logos that do not resemble novelty lighters, and transportation/storage through the state).
Section 3 notes the bill is excluded from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or changes a crime definition.
Section 4 establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Fire Protection