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H.B. 202 Enrolled

             1     

FIREWORKS AMENDMENTS

             2     
2010 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Ronda Rudd Menlove

             5     
Senate Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies the Utah Fire Prevention and Safety Act in the Public Safety Code to
             10      regulate flame effects operators and require them to obtain a license.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    requires special effects operators and flame effects operators who create the
             14      combustion of flammable materials before an audience to obtain a license from the
             15      State Fire Marshal Division;
             16          .    requires a special effects operator and a flame effects operator to obtain a permit
             17      from the municipality or county where the operator is working;
             18          .    requires the Utah Fire Prevention Board to define methods of establishing proof of
             19      the competence of an operator to use special effects fireworks and flame effects;
             20          .    provides the duties of the division in issuing a license to flame effects operators;
             21          .    authorizes individuals licensed by the division to purchase, possess, or discharge
             22      class C dangerous explosives;
             23          .    authorizes the division to stop the improper or dangerous use of flame effects;
             24          .    exempts individuals licensed by the division from penalties for possession of
             25      explosive, chemical, or incendiary devices as authorized by their license; and
             26          .    provides definitions.
             27      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             28          None
             29      Other Special Clauses:


             30          None
             31      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             32      AMENDS:
             33          11-3-3.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1993, Chapter 234
             34          53-7-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 339
             35          53-7-204, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 339
             36          53-7-222, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 82
             37          53-7-223, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 253
             38          76-10-306, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             39     
             40      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             41          Section 1. Section 11-3-3.5 is amended to read:
             42           11-3-3.5. Licensing of retail sellers of fireworks -- Permit required -- Fee,
             43      insurance, or bond.
             44          (1) (a) A municipality or county may require a retail seller to obtain a license and pay a
             45      reasonable fee before selling class C common state-approved explosives within the jurisdiction
             46      of that municipality or county.
             47          (b) A municipality or county may not restrict the number of licenses to be issued under
             48      this section.
             49          (2) (a) A municipality or county shall require:
             50          (i) a permit to discharge all display fireworks, special effects, and flame effects
             51      performances; and
             52          (ii) evidence that the display operator, special effects operator, or flame effects operator
             53      who will set up and discharge the display [fireworks] has received a [display operator's] license
             54      from the State Fire Marshal Division, Department of Public Safety.
             55          (b) A municipality or county may require a fee, insurance, or a bond before issuing a
             56      permit under this Subsection (2).
             57          Section 2. Section 53-7-202 is amended to read:


             58           53-7-202. Definitions.
             59          As used in this part:
             60          (1) "Agricultural and wildlife fireworks" means a class C dangerous explosive that:
             61          (a) uses sound or light when deployed; and
             62          (b) is designated to prevent crop damage or unwanted animals from entering a
             63      specified area.
             64          (2) "Board" means the Utah Fire Prevention Board created in Section 53-7-203 .
             65          (3) "Class A explosive" means a division 1.1 or 1.2 explosive as defined by the U.S.
             66      Department of Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             67          (4) "Class B explosive" means a division 1.2 or 1.3G explosive as defined by the U.S.
             68      Department of Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             69          (5) "Class C explosive" means a division 1.4G explosive as defined by the U.S.
             70      Department of Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             71          (6) (a) "Class C common state-approved explosive" means a class C explosive that is:
             72          (i) a cardboard or heavy paper cylindrical tube or cone that:
             73          (A) produces a shower of color and sparks that reach a maximum height of 15 feet;
             74          (B) may whistle or pop; and
             75          (C) is not designed to explode or leave the ground;
             76          (ii) a pyrotechnic wheel device that:
             77          (A) may be attached to a post or tree; and
             78          (B) contains up to six "driver" units or tubes;
             79          (iii) any device that:
             80          (A) spins, jumps, or emits popping sounds when placed on the ground;
             81          (B) does not exceed a height of 15 feet when discharged; and
             82          (C) does not travel laterally more than 10 feet on a smooth surface when discharged;
             83          (iv) a morning glory, suzuki, or flitter sparkler; and
             84          (v) a single tube day-type parachute that does not carry any flare or flame upon descent.
             85          (b) "Class C common state-approved explosive" does not mean:


             86          (i) class C dangerous explosives; or
             87          (ii) exempt explosives.
             88          (7) (a) "Class C dangerous explosive" means a class C explosive that is:
             89          (i) a firecracker, cannon cracker, salute, cherry bomb, or other similar explosive;
             90          (ii) a skyrocket or any device other than a model rocket that uses combustible or
             91      explosive material and rises more than 15 feet when discharged;
             92          (iii) a roman candle or other device that discharges balls of fire over 15 feet in height;
             93          (iv) a tube or cone aerial firework that propels comets, shells, salutes, flash shells, or
             94      similar devices more than 15 feet into the air; and
             95          (v) a chaser, whistler, or other device that darts or travels more than 10 feet laterally on
             96      a smooth surface or exceeds 15 feet in height when discharged.
             97          (b) A "class C dangerous explosive" does not mean:
             98          (i) class C common state-approved explosives; or
             99          (ii) exempt explosives.
             100          [(8) "Display fireworks" means an aerial shell, salute, flash shell, comet, sky battle,
             101      mine, and any similar class C explosive or class B explosive.]
             102          (8) (a) "Display fireworks" means large firework devices that consist of explosive
             103      materials that are intended for use in outdoor aerial fireworks displays to produce visible or
             104      audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
             105          (b) "Display fireworks" includes aerial shells, salutes, roman candles, flash shells,
             106      comets, mines, and other similar explosives.
             107          [(9) (a) "Display operator" means the person who purchases and is responsible for
             108      setting up, and discharging display fireworks.]
             109          (9) (a) "Display operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 and who is
             110      responsible for site selection, setting up, permits, overseeing assistants and support personnel,
             111      and discharging display fireworks outdoors in situations where the audience maintains a
             112      specific distance separating it from the display fireworks being discharged.
             113          (b) "Display operator" does not mean a fire department.


             114          (10) "Exempt explosive" means a model rocket, toy pistol cap, emergency signal flare,
             115      snake or glow worm, party popper, trick noisemaker, match, and wire sparkler under 12 inches
             116      in length.
             117          (11) (a) "Fireworks" means:
             118          (i) class C explosives;
             119          (ii) class C dangerous explosives; and
             120          (iii) class C common state-approved explosives.
             121          (b) "Fireworks" does not mean:
             122          (i) exempt explosives;
             123          (ii) class A explosives; [and] or
             124          (iii) class B explosives.
             125          (12) "Flame effects" means the combustion of flammable solids, liquids, or gases to
             126      produce thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomena before an audience.
             127          (13) (a) "Flame effects operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 who,
             128      regarding flame effects, is responsible for:
             129          (i) storage, setup, operations, teardown, devices, equipment, overseeing assistants and
             130      support personnel, and preventing accidental discharge; and
             131          (ii) completion of the sequence of control system functions that release the fuel for
             132      ignition to cause combustion and create the flame effects.
             133          (b) (i) "Flame effects operator" does not include a person who participates in a
             134      meeting, as limited under Subsection (13)(b)(ii), with other persons solely to receive training,
             135      to practice, or provide instruction regarding flame effects performance.
             136          (ii) A meeting under Subsection (13)(b)(i) may include a nonpaying and unsolicited
             137      audience of not more than 25 persons.
             138          [(12)] (14) "Importer" means a person who brings class B or class C explosives into
             139      Utah for the general purpose of resale within the state or exportation to other states.
             140          [(13)] (15) (a) "Pyrotechnic" means any composition or device manufactured or used to
             141      produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.


             142          (b) "Pyrotechnic" does not mean exempt explosives.
             143          [(14)] (16) "Retail seller" means a person who sells class C common state-approved
             144      explosives to the public during the period authorized under Section 53-7-225 .
             145          (17) "Special effects" means a visual or audible effect caused by chemical mixtures
             146      that produce a controlled, self-sustaining, and self-controlled exothermic chemical reaction that
             147      results in heat, gas, sound, or light and may also create an illusion.
             148          (18) "Special effects operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 who is
             149      responsible for setting up, permits, overseeing assistants and support personnel, analyzing
             150      potential hazards, setting clearances, and discharging pyrotechnic devices, either indoor or
             151      outdoor, where the audience is allowed to be in closer proximity to the pyrotechnic devices
             152      than the audience separation distance generally required for display fireworks.
             153          [(15)] (19) "State fire code" means a nationally recognized fire code administered by
             154      the Utah Fire Prevention Board pursuant to Section 53-7-204 .
             155          [(16)] (20) "Trick noisemaker" includes a:
             156          (a) tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that produces a white or colored
             157      smoke as its primary effect when ignited; and
             158          (b) device that produces a small report intended to surprise the user, including a:
             159          (i) "booby trap," which is a small tube with a string protruding from both ends that
             160      ignites the friction sensitive composition in the tube when the string is pulled;
             161          (ii) "snapper," which is a small paper-wrapped device containing a minute quantity of
             162      explosive composition coated on bits of sand that explodes producing a small report;
             163          (iii) "trick match," which is a kitchen or book match coated with a small quantity of
             164      explosive or pyrotechnic composition that produces a small shower of sparks when ignited;
             165          (iv) "cigarette load," which is a small wooden peg coated with a small quantity of
             166      explosive composition that produces a small report when [the cigarette is] ignited; and
             167          (v) "auto burglar alarm," which is a tube that:
             168          (A) contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and smoke when
             169      ignited;


             170          (B) may contain a small quantity of explosive to produce a small explosive noise; and
             171          (C) is ignited by a squib.
             172          [(17)] (21) "Unclassified fireworks" means [any of the following]:
             173          (a) a pyrotechnic device that is used, given away, or offered for sale, that has not been
             174      tested, approved, and classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation;
             175          (b) an approved device that has been altered or redesigned since obtaining approval by
             176      the U.S. Department of Transportation; and
             177          (c) a pyrotechnic device that is being tested by a manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler
             178      before receiving approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
             179          [(18)] (22) "Wholesaler" means [any of the following]:
             180          (a) a person who sells class C common state-approved explosives to a retailer; [and] or
             181          (b) a person who sells class B explosives or class C dangerous explosives for display
             182      use.
             183          Section 3. Section 53-7-204 is amended to read:
             184           53-7-204. Duties of Utah Fire Prevention Board -- Local administrative duties.
             185          (1) The board shall:
             186          (a) make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
             187      Rulemaking Act:
             188          (i) [administer] administering a nationally recognized fire code and the specific edition
             189      of that fire code as the state fire code to be used as the standard;
             190          (ii) establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of
             191      life and property against fire and panic in any:
             192          (A) publicly owned building, including all public and private schools, colleges, and
             193      university buildings;
             194          (B) building or structure used or intended for use as an asylum, a mental hospital, a
             195      hospital, a sanitarium, a home for the [aged] elderly, an assisted living facility, a children's
             196      home or day care center, or any [similar institutional type occupancy of any capacity; and]
             197      building or structure used for a similar purpose; or


             198          (C) place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building,
             199      structure, tent, or room for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, or education;
             200          (iii) establishing safety and other requirements for placement and discharge of display
             201      fireworks based upon:
             202          (A) the specific edition of the nationally recognized fire code adopted by the
             203      Legislature under Section 58-56-4 ; and
             204          (B) relevant publications of the National Fire Protection Association;
             205          (iv) establishing minimum safety standards for retail storage, handling, and sale of
             206      class C common state-approved explosives;
             207          (v) defining methods to establish proof of competence to place and discharge display
             208      fireworks, special effects fireworks, and flame effects;
             209          (vi) [for] deputizing qualified persons to act as deputy fire marshals, and to secure
             210      special services in emergencies;
             211          (vii) implementing Sections 53-7-106 and 53-7-205 ;
             212          (viii) setting guidelines for use of funding;
             213          (ix) establishing criteria for training and safety equipment grants for fire departments
             214      enrolled in firefighter certification; and
             215          (x) establishing minimum ongoing training standards for hazardous materials
             216      emergency response agencies;
             217          (b) recommend to the commissioner a state fire marshal;
             218          (c) develop policies under which the state fire marshal and the state fire marshal's
             219      authorized representatives will perform;
             220          (d) provide for the employment of field assistants and other salaried personnel as
             221      required;
             222          (e) prescribe the duties of the state fire marshal and the state fire marshal's authorized
             223      representatives;
             224          (f) establish a statewide fire prevention, fire education, and fire service training
             225      program in cooperation with the Board of Regents;


             226          (g) establish a statewide fire statistics program for the purpose of gathering fire data
             227      from all political subdivisions of the state;
             228          (h) establish a fire academy in accordance with Section 53-7-204.2 ;
             229          (i) coordinate the efforts of all people engaged in fire suppression in the state;
             230          (j) work aggressively with the local political subdivisions to reduce fire losses;
             231          (k) regulate the sale and servicing of portable fire extinguishers and automatic fire
             232      suppression systems in the interest of safeguarding lives and property;
             233          (l) establish a certification program for persons who inspect and test automatic fire
             234      sprinkler systems;
             235          (m) establish a certification program for persons who inspect and test fire alarm
             236      systems;
             237          (n) establish a certification for persons who provide response services regarding
             238      hazardous materials emergencies; and
             239          (o) in accordance with Section 58-56-4 , make a report to the Business and Labor
             240      Interim Committee by:
             241          (i) no later than November 30 of each year recommending any amendments to the
             242      currently adopted fire code; and
             243          (ii) no later than November 30 in a year of a regularly scheduled update cycle of a
             244      nationally promulgated fire code recommending the adoption of, amendment to, or repeal of
             245      the updated nationally promulgated fire code.
             246          (2) The board may incorporate in its rules by reference, in whole or in part, nationally
             247      recognized and readily available standards and codes adopted by the Legislature pertaining to
             248      the protection of life and property from fire, explosion, or panic.
             249          (3) (a) The board shall recommend to the Legislature in accordance with Subsection
             250      (1)(o) amendments to the state fire code adopted by the Legislature in accordance with Section
             251      58-56-7 .
             252          (b) The amendments, as adopted by the Legislature, may be applicable to the entire
             253      state or within a city, county, or fire protection district.


             254          (4) The following functions shall be administered locally by a city, county, or fire
             255      protection district:
             256          (a) issuing permits, including open burning permits pursuant to Sections 11-7-1 and
             257      19-2-114 ;
             258          (b) creating a local board of appeals in accordance with the state fire code; and
             259          (c) establishing, modifying, or deleting fire flow and water supply requirements.
             260          Section 4. Section 53-7-222 is amended to read:
             261           53-7-222. Restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks.
             262          (1) (a) The division shall test and approve a representative sample of each class C
             263      common state-approved explosive before the explosive may be sold to the public.
             264          (b) The division shall publish a list of all class C explosives that are approved for sale
             265      to the public each year.
             266          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), class C dangerous explosives may not
             267      be possessed, discharged, sold, or offered for retail sale.
             268          (b) (i) The following persons may purchase, possess, or discharge class C dangerous
             269      explosives:
             270          (A) display operators and special effects operators who receive a license from the
             271      division in accordance with Section 53-7-223 and approval from their local licensing authority
             272      in accordance with Section 11-3-3.5 ; and
             273          (B) operators approved by the Division of Wildlife Resources or Department of
             274      Agriculture and Food to discharge agricultural and wildlife fireworks.
             275          (ii) Importers and wholesalers licensed under Section 53-7-224 may possess, sell, and
             276      offer to sell class C dangerous explosives.
             277          (3) Unclassified fireworks may not be sold, or offered for sale.
             278          Section 5. Section 53-7-223 is amended to read:
             279           53-7-223. State license for display operators, special effects operators, and flame
             280      effects operators -- Permit -- Fee -- Division duties -- Revocation.
             281          (1) (a) A person may not purchase[,] or possess[, or discharge] display [or] fireworks,


             282      special effects fireworks, or flame effects, or discharge any of them in public unless the person
             283      has obtained [a display or special effects operator] the appropriate license from the division[.],
             284      except under Subsection (1)(b).
             285          (b) (i) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to any person who participates in a meeting, as
             286      limited under Subsection (1)(b)(ii), with other persons solely to receive training, to practice, or
             287      provide instruction regarding flame effects performance.
             288          (ii) A meeting under Subsection (1)(b)(i) may include a nonpaying and unsolicited
             289      audience of not more than 25 persons.
             290          (2) The division shall:
             291          (a) issue an annual license to any display [or] operator, special effects operator, or
             292      flame effects operator who:
             293          (i) applies for the permit;
             294          (ii) pays a $40 fee;
             295          (iii) demonstrates proof of competence; and
             296          (iv) certifies that [he] the operator will comply with [the] board rules governing
             297      placement and discharge of fireworks [established by the board] or flame effects;
             298          (b) provide the licensee with a copy of the rules governing placement and discharge of
             299      fireworks or flame effects made under Section 53-7-204 ; and
             300          (c) together with county and municipal officers enforce Sections 53-7-220 through
             301      53-7-225 .
             302          (3) The division may:
             303          (a) revoke a license issued under this section for cause;
             304          (b) seize display and special effects fireworks, fireworks, and unclassified fireworks
             305      that are offered for sale, sold, or in the possession of an individual in violation of Sections
             306      53-7-220 through 53-7-225 ; [and]
             307          (c) prevent or stop the use of flame effects that is unlawful or that is endangering
             308      persons or property; and
             309          [(c)] (d) create application and certification forms.


             310          Section 6. Section 76-10-306 is amended to read:
             311           76-10-306. Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device and parts -- Definitions --
             312      Persons exempted -- Penalties.
             313          (1) As used in this section:
             314          (a) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device" means:
             315          (i) dynamite and all other forms of high explosives, including water gel, slurry, military
             316      C-4 (plastic explosives), blasting agents to include nitro-carbon-nitrate, ammonium nitrate, fuel
             317      oil mixtures, cast primers and boosters, R.D.X., P.E.T.N., electric and nonelectric blasting
             318      caps, exploding cords commonly called detonating cord, detcord, or primacord, picric acid
             319      explosives, T.N.T. and T.N.T. mixtures, nitroglycerin and nitroglycerin mixtures, or any other
             320      chemical mixture intended to explode with fire or force;
             321          (ii) any explosive bomb, grenade, missile, or similar device; and
             322          (iii) any incendiary bomb, grenade, fire bomb, chemical bomb, or similar device,
             323      including any device, except kerosene lamps, if criminal intent has not been established, which
             324      consists of or includes a breakable container including a flammable liquid or compound and a
             325      wick composed of any material which, when ignited, is capable of igniting the flammable
             326      liquid or compound or any breakable container which consists of, or includes a chemical
             327      mixture that explodes with fire or force and can be carried, thrown, or placed.
             328          (b) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device" does not include rifle, pistol, or
             329      shotgun ammunition, reloading components, or muzzleloading equipment.
             330          (c) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts" means any substances or materials or
             331      combinations which have been prepared or altered for use in the creation of an explosive,
             332      chemical, or incendiary device. These substances or materials include:
             333          (i) timing device, clock, or watch which has been altered in such a manner as to be
             334      used as the arming device in an explosive;
             335          (ii) pipe, end caps, or metal tubing which has been prepared for a pipe bomb; and
             336          (iii) mechanical timers, mechanical triggers, chemical time delays, electronic time
             337      delays, or commercially made or improvised items which, when used singly or in combination,


             338      may be used in the construction of a timing delay mechanism, booby trap, or activating
             339      mechanism for any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device.
             340          (d) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts" does not include rifle, pistol, or shotgun
             341      ammunition, or any signaling device customarily used in operation of railroad equipment.
             342          (2) The provisions in Subsections (3) and (6) do not apply to:
             343          (a) any public safety officer while acting in [his] an official capacity transporting or
             344      otherwise handling explosives, chemical, or incendiary devices;
             345          (b) any member of the armed forces of the United States or Utah National Guard while
             346      acting in [his] an official capacity;
             347          (c) any person possessing a valid permit issued under the provisions of Uniform Fire
             348      Code, Article 77, or any employee of the permittee acting within the scope of [his]
             349      employment;
             350          (d) any person possessing a valid license as an importer, wholesaler, [or] display
             351      operator, special effects operator, or flame effects operator under the provisions of Sections
             352      11-3-3.5 and 53-7-223 ; and
             353          (e) any person or entity possessing or controlling an explosive, chemical, or incendiary
             354      device as part of its lawful business operations.
             355          (3) Any person is guilty of a second degree felony who, under circumstances not
             356      amounting to a violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction,
             357      knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly possesses or controls an explosive, chemical, or
             358      incendiary device.
             359          (4) Any person is guilty of a first degree felony who, under circumstances not
             360      amounting to a violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction,
             361      knowingly or intentionally:
             362          (a) uses or causes to be used an explosive, chemical, or incendiary device in the
             363      commission of or an attempt to commit a felony;
             364          (b) injures another or attempts to injure another [in his] person or another person's
             365      property through the use of an explosive, chemical, or incendiary device; or


             366          (c) transports, possesses, distributes, or sells any explosive, chemical, or incendiary
             367      device in a secure area established pursuant to Section 76-8-311.1 , 76-8-311.3 , 76-10-529 , or
             368      78A-2-203 .
             369          (5) Any person who, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Title 76,
             370      Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction, knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly
             371      removes or causes to be removed or carries away any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device
             372      from the premises where the explosive, chemical, or incendiary device is kept by the lawful
             373      user, vendor, transporter, or manufacturer without the consent or direction of the lawful
             374      possessor is guilty of a second degree felony.
             375          (6) Any person who, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Title 76,
             376      Chapter 10, Part 4,Weapons of Mass Destruction, knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly
             377      possesses any explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts is guilty of a third degree felony [of the
             378      third degree].


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