"The technology exists to make our citizens safer, and with this legislation we are taking advantage of that technology to help protect our citizens," Gov. John Lynch said before signing the law Wednesday.

The law takes effect Oct. 1, 2007.

New York was the first state to require the cigarettes in 2004.

California, Vermont and Illinois also have enacted laws requiring self-extinguishing smokes. Vermont's law took effect this year. California's law takes effect next year and Illinois' law in 2008.

Tobacco companies last year rushed to market cigarettes wrapped in special ultra-thin paper with "speed bump" bands that inhibit burning unless a smoker draws in air.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 700 to 800 people are killed annually in the United States by fires started by unattended cigarettes.

Manufacturers argue there should be a single, nationwide standard for such cigarettes rather than various state regulations.

The New Hampshire law would automatically be repealed if federal standards are enacted.

Retailers violating the law face civil fines of up to $1,000 per sale depending on the number of cigarettes sold.

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