HI HB686

Authorizes the Department of Public Safety, Sheriff Division, to inspect shipping containers at commercial harbors to detect and confiscate explosives and illegal fireworks, with authority to collaborate with federal, state, and county agencies.

Establishes a shipping container inspection program beginning no later than October 1, 2023, requiring X-ray technology to inspect incoming containers, prioritizing high-risk shipments, and conducting most inspections away from ports to minimize commercial delays.

Imposes shipping container import fees of $1 per container beginning July 1, 2023, increasing to $2 per container on July 1, 2024, with all proceeds deposited into a new Shipping Container Inspection Program Special Fund.

Increases penalties for fireworks violations, making possession or discharge of aerial devices without a valid permit a Class C felony (previously misdemeanor for amounts under 25 pounds), and raising general violation fines from $5,000 to $10,000.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish and administer the inspection program, including purchase of at least two X-ray scanning portals, with department to report on implementation to the legislature.