S590 - NC Consumer Fireworks Safety Act

• Permits sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks (1.4G fireworks meeting federal safety standards) for persons 18 years and older, subject to time, location, and distance restrictions.

• Establishes permitting system for fireworks retailers and distributors through counties and cities, requiring $5,000 annual permits for permanent retailers/distributors and $100 for temporary sparkling device retailers, with mandatory safety training and liability insurance of $5,000,000.

• Prohibits fireworks discharge in or near schools, universities, hospitals, veterinary hospitals, child care facilities, gas stations, and bulk storage facilities; limits use to 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily, with extended hours on July 4 and New Year's Eve/Day.

• Imposes 5% excise tax on consumer fireworks sales collected monthly by retailers, with 2% discount for timely filing and payment, with proceeds credited to the General Fund.

• Creates civil and criminal penalties for violations including permit suspension/revocation and civil penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 for selling unpermitted or prohibited fireworks; effective July 1, 2017.