A bill for an act relating to the sale and use of consumer fireworks.
Impact
The implications of this bill are considerable as it directly modifies Iowa’s firework regulations. By allowing for year-round sales, HF396 is expected to enhance the economic activities surrounding the fireworks industry, potentially leading to more events and celebrations involving fireworks. However, the bill also introduces guidelines regarding when and where these fireworks can be used, maintaining key restrictions that cite specific times and dates for public safety. Violators of these usage regulations could face misdemeanor charges, although imprisonment is not included as a punishment.
Summary
House File 396, introduced by Representative Gustoff, pertains to the regulation of the sale and usage of consumer fireworks in Iowa. The bill revises existing laws that currently restrict the sale of consumer fireworks to specific periods, allowing for their sale year-round. Specifically, it enables both permanent and temporary structures to sell consumer fireworks throughout the entire year, which marks a significant change from the prior limitations that confined sales to only between June 1 and July 8 and December 10 to January 3. This amendment aims to boost local businesses involved in the fireworks industry and provide consumers with expanded access to these products.
Contention
Despite the proposed benefits, HF396 has sparked debate regarding public safety and the impact of increased accessibility to fireworks. Advocates argue that year-round availability can stimulate local economies, particularly for businesses in rural areas benefiting from increased sales. However, opponents are concerned about the increased risks of fire hazards and disturbances to public peace, especially in more densely populated areas. The discussions also highlight the tension between promoting business interests and ensuring community safety, reflecting broader conversations about regulation and local governance in Iowa.
In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for use of display fireworks and for use of consumer fireworks and repealing provisions relating to rules and regulations by municipality, to sales locations, to fees, granting of licenses and inspections, to refusal, suspension or revocation of license, to conditions for facilities, to consumer fireworks tax and to disposition of certain funds.
In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for use of display fireworks and for use of consumer fireworks and repealing provisions relating to rules and regulations by municipality, to sales locations, to fees, granting of licenses and inspections, to refusal, suspension or revocation of license, to conditions for facilities, to consumer fireworks tax and to disposition of certain funds.
Designating the existing fallen firefighters memorial within the Kansas firefighters museum in Wichita as the official fallen firefighters memorial of the state of Kansas and replacing the Kansas firefighters memorial advisory committee with the Kansas firefighter memorial council; defining the fireworks sales season for seasonal retailers of consumer fireworks, providing for year-round sales by permanent retailers of consumer fireworks, requiring permanent retailers to register with the state fire marshal.