Fire Safe Cigarettes Bill On Way to Governor Bredesen

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Legislation that would allow only fire-safe Cigarettes to be sold in Tennessee is headed to the governor for his consideration. The measure sponsored by Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Rosalind Kurita, a Clarksville Democrat, unanimously passed the Senate last year and was approved in the House 97-1 earlier this month. But the bill didn't go to the governor until Thursday because both chambers had to work out some differences. The law would only allow the sale of Cigarettes made with paper that self-extinguishes if left untouched by the smoker. Supporters say they reduce the risk of accidental fires. Six states have mandated the sale of fire-safe Cigarettes and 20 others are considering it. Gov. Phil Bredesen could not be immediately reached for comment about whether he will sign the bill.