SB 375 Summary

• Requires annual consumer fireworks seller certificates from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, with application deadline of April 1 each year and fees of $1,000 for permanent buildings or $600 for temporary structures.

• Violations of certificate requirements are misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment up to 2 years and fines of $5,000 (first violation), $20,000 (second), or $40,000 (third or subsequent).

• Mandates retail locations meet NFPA safety standards and permanent buildings have fire suppression systems compliant with NFPA 1124 beginning January 1, 2013.

• Permits local units of government to regulate ignition, discharge, and use of consumer fireworks (including hours of use) but restricts regulations around national holidays except between midnight and 8 a.m., with civil fines capped at $500 per violation.

• Prohibits sales to minors with civil fines up to $500 (first violation) or $1,000 (subsequent violations), and suspends seller's certificate for 90 days after second or subsequent violation.