NC H615

Permits possession and use of consumer fireworks (1.4G devices) in North Carolina by persons 18 years or older, subject to local ordinance approval and compliance with specific safety regulations including time restrictions (10 A.M. to 10 P.M., with extended hours on July 4 and New Year's Eve/Day).

Requires permits from the Commissioner of Insurance for all consumer fireworks retailers, with minimum liability insurance of $5,000,000, compliance with NFPA standards, fire safety equipment, employee training requirements, and annual permit fees ranging from $100 to $5,000.

Establishes restrictions on consumer fireworks use within 1,500 feet of hospitals, veterinary facilities, child care centers, fireworks retailers, gas stations, and fuel storage facilities, and prohibits use on school property, college campuses, and public parks without authorization.

Levies a 5% excise tax on the cost price of consumer fireworks sold at retail, with 25% of net proceeds credited to a new Firefighters' Education Fund and the remainder to the General Fund.

Authorizes counties and cities to adopt ordinances regulating consumer fireworks sales and use, effective October 1 following adoption, with consumer fireworks generally prohibited in jurisdictions that do not adopt such ordinances.