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Hunting and fishing licenses that last longer and cigarettes that are less likely to cause fires are among the things 2009 has in store for Oklahomans because of new state laws.

A law that took effect Thursday will allow the state Department of Wildlife and Conservation to sell licenses that will last five years instead of only one. The agency hopes the change will create a boost in revenue while also making it easier for hunters and anglers who otherwise had to renew their licenses each year.

"We've done a lot of research and found that a lot of our fishermen and some hunters buy a license two out of three years," wildlife department spokesman Nels Rodefeld said. If those people instead bought a five-year license, it would raise more money for the agency.

A one-year license cost $25. A five-year license for either sport will cost $88.

Other laws that take effect with the start of the new year require only "fire-safe" cigarettes to be sold in Oklahoma, establish a $1,500 tax credit for purchasing cars that run on alternative fuel and provide aid to the state's aerospace industry.

A law dealing with electrical service for people in areas that have been annexed also takes effect, although it is expected to be challenged in court.

The cigarette law, which has been enacted in 39 states, allows wholesalers to only sell cigarettes that are wrapped in paper that prevents it from if it is left unattended.
The so-called "fire-safe" cigarettes have two safety strips of less-porous paper that will put out embers if the cigarette is not puffed while it is burning through them.

According to a report released by the National Fire Protection Association in November, about 780 deaths and $606 million in property damage were caused by fires ignited by smoking materials in 2006.
"Anything that prevents (fires) and eliminates that potential damage is a huge benefit," said Tulsa fire Capt. Michael Baker. "Everything from grass fires to apartment building fires, you never know, it could be a result of a carelessly discarded cigarette."

Aerospace companies will benefit from another new law providing incentives for up to five years for hiring engineers from Oklahoma, while electric utilities will be allowed to expand services to pockets of customers in areas that have been annexed into municipalities.

The city of Edmond and the Oklahoma Municipal League have claimed that state law requires such an expansion to be approved by a vote of the residents.