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H.B. 202

             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; and
             51          (ii) evidence that the display operator, special effects operator, or flame effects operator
             52      who will set up and discharge the display [fireworks] has received a [display operator's] license
             53      from the State Fire Marshal Division, Department of Public Safety.
             54          (b) A municipality or county may require a fee, insurance, or a bond before issuing a
             55      permit under this Subsection (2).
             56          Section 2. Section 53-7-202 is amended to read:
             57           53-7-202. Definitions.
             58          As used in this part:


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


             90      explosive material and rises more than 15 feet when discharged;
             91          (iii) a roman candle or other device that discharges balls of fire over 15 feet in height;
             92          (iv) a tube or cone aerial firework that propels comets, shells, salutes, flash shells, or
             93      similar devices more than 15 feet into the air; and
             94          (v) a chaser, whistler, or other device that darts or travels more than 10 feet laterally on
             95      a smooth surface or exceeds 15 feet in height when discharged.
             96          (b) A "class C dangerous explosive" does not mean:
             97          (i) class C common state-approved explosives; or
             98          (ii) exempt explosives.
             99          [(8) "Display fireworks" means an aerial shell, salute, flash shell, comet, sky battle,
             100      mine, and any similar class C explosive or class B explosive.]
             101          (8) (a) "Display fireworks" means large firework devices that consist of explosive
             102      materials that are intended for use in outdoor aerial fireworks displays to produce visible or
             103      audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
             104          (b) "Display fireworks" includes aerial shells, salutes, roman candles, flash shells,
             105      comets, mines, and other similar explosives.
             106          [(9) (a) "Display operator" means the person who purchases and is responsible for
             107      setting up, and discharging display fireworks.]
             108          (9) (a) "Display operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 and who is
             109      responsible for site selection, setting up, permits, overseeing assistants and support personnel,
             110      and discharging display fireworks outdoors in situations where the audience maintains a
             111      specific distance separating it from the display fireworks being discharged.
             112          (b) "Display operator" does not mean a fire department.
             113          (10) "Exempt explosive" means a model rocket, toy pistol cap, emergency signal flare,
             114      snake or glow worm, party popper, trick noisemaker, match, and wire sparkler under 12 inches
             115      in length.
             116          (11) (a) "Fireworks" means:
             117          (i) class C explosives;
             118          (ii) class C dangerous explosives; and
             119          (iii) class C common state-approved explosives.
             120          (b) "Fireworks" does not mean:


             121          (i) exempt explosives;
             122          (ii) class A explosives; [and] or
             123          (iii) class B explosives.
             124          (12) "Flame effects" means the combustion of flammable solids, liquids, or gases to
             125      produce thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomena before an audience.
             126          (13) "Flame effects operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 who,
             127      regarding flame effects, is responsible for:
             128          (a) storage, setup, operations, teardown, devices, equipment, overseeing assistants and
             129      support personnel, and preventing accidental discharge; and
             130          (b) completion of the sequence of control system functions that release the fuel for
             131      ignition to cause combustion and create the flame effects.
             132          [(12)] (14) "Importer" means a person who brings class B or class C explosives into
             133      Utah for the general purpose of resale within the state or exportation to other states.
             134          [(13)] (15) (a) "Pyrotechnic" means any composition or device manufactured or used to
             135      produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
             136          (b) "Pyrotechnic" does not mean exempt explosives.
             137          [(14)] (16) "Retail seller" means a person who sells class C common state-approved
             138      explosives to the public during the period authorized under Section 53-7-225 .
             139          (17) "Special effects" means a visual or audible effect caused by chemical mixtures
             140      that produce a controlled, self-sustaining, and self-controlled exothermic chemical reaction that
             141      results in heat, gas, sound, or light and may also create an illusion.
             142          (18) "Special effects operator" means a person licensed under Section 53-7-223 who is
             143      responsible for setting up, permits, overseeing assistants and support personnel, analyzing
             144      potential hazards, setting clearances, and discharging pyrotechnic devices, either indoor or
             145      outdoor, where the audience is allowed to be in closer proximity to the pyrotechnic devices
             146      than the audience separation distance generally required for display fireworks.
             147          [(15)] (19) "State fire code" means a nationally recognized fire code administered by
             148      the Utah Fire Prevention Board pursuant to Section 53-7-204 .
             149          [(16)] (20) "Trick noisemaker" includes a:
             150          (a) tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that produces a white or colored
             151      smoke as its primary effect when ignited; and


             152          (b) device that produces a small report intended to surprise the user, including a:
             153          (i) "booby trap," which is a small tube with a string protruding from both ends that
             154      ignites the friction sensitive composition in the tube when the string is pulled;
             155          (ii) "snapper," which is a small paper-wrapped device containing a minute quantity of
             156      explosive composition coated on bits of sand that explodes producing a small report;
             157          (iii) "trick match," which is a kitchen or book match coated with a small quantity of
             158      explosive or pyrotechnic composition that produces a small shower of sparks when ignited;
             159          (iv) "cigarette load," which is a small wooden peg coated with a small quantity of
             160      explosive composition that produces a small report when [the cigarette is] ignited; and
             161          (v) "auto burglar alarm," which is a tube that:
             162          (A) contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and smoke when
             163      ignited;
             164          (B) may contain a small quantity of explosive to produce a small explosive noise; and
             165          (C) is ignited by a squib.
             166          [(17)] (21) "Unclassified fireworks" means [any of the following]:
             167          (a) a pyrotechnic device that is used, given away, or offered for sale, that has not been
             168      tested, approved, and classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation;
             169          (b) an approved device that has been altered or redesigned since obtaining approval by
             170      the U.S. Department of Transportation; and
             171          (c) a pyrotechnic device that is being tested by a manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler
             172      before receiving approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
             173          [(18)] (22) "Wholesaler" means [any of the following]:
             174          (a) a person who sells class C common state-approved explosives to a retailer; [and] or
             175          (b) a person who sells class B explosives or class C dangerous explosives for display
             176      use.
             177          Section 3. Section 53-7-204 is amended to read:
             178           53-7-204. Duties of Utah Fire Prevention Board -- Local administrative duties.
             179          (1) The board shall:
             180          (a) make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
             181      Rulemaking Act:
             182          (i) [administer] administering a nationally recognized fire code and the specific edition


             183      of that fire code as the state fire code to be used as the standard;
             184          (ii) establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of
             185      life and property against fire and panic in any:
             186          (A) publicly owned building, including all public and private schools, colleges, and
             187      university buildings;
             188          (B) building or structure used or intended for use as an asylum, a mental hospital, a
             189      hospital, a sanitarium, a home for the [aged] elderly, an assisted living facility, a children's
             190      home or day care center, or any [similar institutional type occupancy of any capacity; and]
             191      building or structure used for a similar purpose; or
             192          (C) place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building,
             193      structure, tent, or room for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, or education;
             194          (iii) establishing safety and other requirements for placement and discharge of display
             195      fireworks based upon:
             196          (A) the specific edition of the nationally recognized fire code adopted by the
             197      Legislature under Section 58-56-4 ; and
             198          (B) relevant publications of the National Fire Protection Association;
             199          (iv) establishing minimum safety standards for retail storage, handling, and sale of
             200      class C common state-approved explosives;
             201          (v) defining methods to establish proof of competence to place and discharge display
             202      fireworks, special effects fireworks, and flame effects;
             203          (vi) [for] deputizing qualified persons to act as deputy fire marshals, and to secure
             204      special services in emergencies;
             205          (vii) implementing Sections 53-7-106 and 53-7-205 ;
             206          (viii) setting guidelines for use of funding;
             207          (ix) establishing criteria for training and safety equipment grants for fire departments
             208      enrolled in firefighter certification; and
             209          (x) establishing minimum ongoing training standards for hazardous materials
             210      emergency response agencies;
             211          (b) recommend to the commissioner a state fire marshal;
             212          (c) develop policies under which the state fire marshal and the state fire marshal's
             213      authorized representatives will perform;


             214          (d) provide for the employment of field assistants and other salaried personnel as
             215      required;
             216          (e) prescribe the duties of the state fire marshal and the state fire marshal's authorized
             217      representatives;
             218          (f) establish a statewide fire prevention, fire education, and fire service training
             219      program in cooperation with the Board of Regents;
             220          (g) establish a statewide fire statistics program for the purpose of gathering fire data
             221      from all political subdivisions of the state;
             222          (h) establish a fire academy in accordance with Section 53-7-204.2 ;
             223          (i) coordinate the efforts of all people engaged in fire suppression in the state;
             224          (j) work aggressively with the local political subdivisions to reduce fire losses;
             225          (k) regulate the sale and servicing of portable fire extinguishers and automatic fire
             226      suppression systems in the interest of safeguarding lives and property;
             227          (l) establish a certification program for persons who inspect and test automatic fire
             228      sprinkler systems;
             229          (m) establish a certification program for persons who inspect and test fire alarm
             230      systems;
             231          (n) establish a certification for persons who provide response services regarding
             232      hazardous materials emergencies; and
             233          (o) in accordance with Section 58-56-4 , make a report to the Business and Labor
             234      Interim Committee by:
             235          (i) no later than November 30 of each year recommending any amendments to the
             236      currently adopted fire code; and
             237          (ii) no later than November 30 in a year of a regularly scheduled update cycle of a
             238      nationally promulgated fire code recommending the adoption of, amendment to, or repeal of
             239      the updated nationally promulgated fire code.
             240          (2) The board may incorporate in its rules by reference, in whole or in part, nationally
             241      recognized and readily available standards and codes adopted by the Legislature pertaining to
             242      the protection of life and property from fire, explosion, or panic.
             243          (3) (a) The board shall recommend to the Legislature in accordance with Subsection
             244      (1)(o) amendments to the state fire code adopted by the Legislature in accordance with Section


             245      58-56-7 .
             246          (b) The amendments, as adopted by the Legislature, may be applicable to the entire
             247      state or within a city, county, or fire protection district.
             248          (4) The following functions shall be administered locally by a city, county, or fire
             249      protection district:
             250          (a) issuing permits, including open burning permits pursuant to Sections 11-7-1 and
             251      19-2-114 ;
             252          (b) creating a local board of appeals in accordance with the state fire code; and
             253          (c) establishing, modifying, or deleting fire flow and water supply requirements.
             254          Section 4. Section 53-7-222 is amended to read:
             255           53-7-222. Restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks.
             256          (1) (a) The division shall test and approve a representative sample of each class C
             257      common state-approved explosive before the explosive may be sold to the public.
             258          (b) The division shall publish a list of all class C explosives that are approved for sale
             259      to the public each year.
             260          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), class C dangerous explosives may not
             261      be possessed, discharged, sold, or offered for retail sale.
             262          (b) (i) The following persons may purchase, possess, or discharge class C dangerous
             263      explosives:
             264          (A) display operators and special effects operators who receive a license from the
             265      division in accordance with Section 53-7-223 and approval from their local licensing authority
             266      in accordance with Section 11-3-3.5 ; and
             267          (B) operators approved by the Division of Wildlife Resources or Department of
             268      Agriculture and Food to discharge agricultural and wildlife fireworks.
             269          (ii) Importers and wholesalers licensed under Section 53-7-224 may possess, sell, and
             270      offer to sell class C dangerous explosives.
             271          (3) Unclassified fireworks may not be sold, or offered for sale.
             272          Section 5. Section 53-7-223 is amended to read:
             273           53-7-223. State license for display operators, special effects operators, and flame
             274      effects operators -- Permit -- Fee -- Division duties -- Revocation.
             275          (1) A person may not purchase[,] or possess[, or discharge] display [or] fireworks,


             276      special effects fireworks, or flame effects, or discharge any of them in public unless the person
             277      has obtained [a display or special effects operator] the appropriate license from the division.
             278          (2) The division shall:
             279          (a) issue an annual license to any display [or] operator, special effects operator, or
             280      flame effects operator who:
             281          (i) applies for the permit;
             282          (ii) pays a $40 fee;
             283          (iii) demonstrates proof of competence; and
             284          (iv) certifies that [he] the operator will comply with [the] board rules governing
             285      placement and discharge of fireworks [established by the board] or flame effects;
             286          (b) provide the licensee with a copy of the rules governing placement and discharge of
             287      fireworks or flame effects made under Section 53-7-204 ; and
             288          (c) together with county and municipal officers enforce Sections 53-7-220 through
             289      53-7-225 .
             290          (3) The division may:
             291          (a) revoke a license issued under this section for cause;
             292          (b) seize display and special effects fireworks, fireworks, and unclassified fireworks
             293      that are offered for sale, sold, or in the possession of an individual in violation of Sections
             294      53-7-220 through 53-7-225 ; [and]
             295          (c) prevent or stop the use of flame effects that is unlawful or that is endangering
             296      persons or property; and
             297          [(c)] (d) create application and certification forms.
             298          Section 6. Section 76-10-306 is amended to read:
             299           76-10-306. Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device and parts -- Definitions --
             300      Persons exempted -- Penalties.
             301          (1) As used in this section:
             302          (a) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device" means:
             303          (i) dynamite and all other forms of high explosives, including water gel, slurry, military
             304      C-4 (plastic explosives), blasting agents to include nitro-carbon-nitrate, ammonium nitrate, fuel
             305      oil mixtures, cast primers and boosters, R.D.X., P.E.T.N., electric and nonelectric blasting
             306      caps, exploding cords commonly called detonating cord, detcord, or primacord, picric acid


             307      explosives, T.N.T. and T.N.T. mixtures, nitroglycerin and nitroglycerin mixtures, or any other
             308      chemical mixture intended to explode with fire or force;
             309          (ii) any explosive bomb, grenade, missile, or similar device; and
             310          (iii) any incendiary bomb, grenade, fire bomb, chemical bomb, or similar device,
             311      including any device, except kerosene lamps, if criminal intent has not been established, which
             312      consists of or includes a breakable container including a flammable liquid or compound and a
             313      wick composed of any material which, when ignited, is capable of igniting the flammable
             314      liquid or compound or any breakable container which consists of, or includes a chemical
             315      mixture that explodes with fire or force and can be carried, thrown, or placed.
             316          (b) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary device" does not include rifle, pistol, or
             317      shotgun ammunition, reloading components, or muzzleloading equipment.
             318          (c) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts" means any substances or materials or
             319      combinations which have been prepared or altered for use in the creation of an explosive,
             320      chemical, or incendiary device. These substances or materials include:
             321          (i) timing device, clock, or watch which has been altered in such a manner as to be
             322      used as the arming device in an explosive;
             323          (ii) pipe, end caps, or metal tubing which has been prepared for a pipe bomb; and
             324          (iii) mechanical timers, mechanical triggers, chemical time delays, electronic time
             325      delays, or commercially made or improvised items which, when used singly or in combination,
             326      may be used in the construction of a timing delay mechanism, booby trap, or activating
             327      mechanism for any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device.
             328          (d) "Explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts" does not include rifle, pistol, or shotgun
             329      ammunition, or any signaling device customarily used in operation of railroad equipment.
             330          (2) The provisions in Subsections (3) and (6) do not apply to:
             331          (a) any public safety officer while acting in [his] an official capacity transporting or
             332      otherwise handling explosives, chemical, or incendiary devices;
             333          (b) any member of the armed forces of the United States or Utah National Guard while
             334      acting in [his] an official capacity;
             335          (c) any person possessing a valid permit issued under the provisions of Uniform Fire
             336      Code, Article 77, or any employee of the permittee acting within the scope of [his]
             337      employment;


             338          (d) any person possessing a valid license as an importer, wholesaler, [or] display
             339      operator, special effects operator, or flame effects operator under the provisions of Sections
             340      11-3-3.5 and 53-7-223 ; and
             341          (e) any person or entity possessing or controlling an explosive, chemical, or incendiary
             342      device as part of its lawful business operations.
             343          (3) Any person is guilty of a second degree felony who, under circumstances not
             344      amounting to a violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction,
             345      knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly possesses or controls an explosive, chemical, or
             346      incendiary device.
             347          (4) Any person is guilty of a first degree felony who, under circumstances not
             348      amounting to a violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction,
             349      knowingly or intentionally:
             350          (a) uses or causes to be used an explosive, chemical, or incendiary device in the
             351      commission of or an attempt to commit a felony;
             352          (b) injures another or attempts to injure another [in his] person or another person's
             353      property through the use of an explosive, chemical, or incendiary device; or
             354          (c) transports, possesses, distributes, or sells any explosive, chemical, or incendiary
             355      device in a secure area established pursuant to Section 76-8-311.1 , 76-8-311.3 , 76-10-529 , or
             356      78A-2-203 .
             357          (5) Any person who, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Title 76,
             358      Chapter 10, Part 4, Weapons of Mass Destruction, knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly
             359      removes or causes to be removed or carries away any explosive, chemical, or incendiary device
             360      from the premises where the explosive, chemical, or incendiary device is kept by the lawful
             361      user, vendor, transporter, or manufacturer without the consent or direction of the lawful
             362      possessor is guilty of a second degree felony.
             363          (6) Any person who, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Title 76,
             364      Chapter 10, Part 4,Weapons of Mass Destruction, knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly
             365      possesses any explosive, chemical, or incendiary parts is guilty of a third degree felony [of the
             366      third degree].





Legislative Review Note
    as of 9-10-09 1:50 PM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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