RALEIGH, N.C.  – The state Senate wants cigarette lighters shaped like cell phones, cartoon characters and toy rifles to be snuffed out in North Carolina.

Senators voted overwhelmingly Thursday to ban the retail sale and distribution of novelty lighters.

The bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. Austin Allran of Catawba County, said young people have been burned by playing with lighters that look like toys. A state task force looking to reduce child deaths wants the change.

Task force chairman Tom Vitaglione says four states have banned such lighter sales and 16 other states are considering bans. Sen. David Hoyle of Gaston County voted against the bill, which now goes to the House. Hoyle questioned if the bill was necessary and whether adults should bear some responsibility.