NC S250

Legalizes the sale, possession, and use of consumer fireworks (1.4G category) in North Carolina effective January 1, 2026, with use permitted daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours until midnight on July 4th, New Year's Eve/Day, and during Diwali

Raises the minimum age for purchasing consumer fireworks and pyrotechnics from 16 to 18 years old, and requires fireworks sellers to be at least 21 years old with no felony convictions

Establishes a permit system through the Commissioner of Insurance with fees ranging from $500 for mixed-use retailers to $5,000 for permanent retailers or distributors, requiring $5 million in liability insurance coverage

Levies a 5% excise tax on consumer fireworks at the point of purchase, with 25% of net proceeds going to a new Firefighters' Education Fund and the remainder to the General Fund

Prohibits fireworks use on school grounds, college campuses (without authorization), and within 500 feet of hospitals, veterinary facilities, child care centers, gas stations, and bulk fuel storage facilities