Fireworks: licensing; moratorium on transferring the location of a consumer fireworks certificate during June and July of each year; remove. Amends sec. 4 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.454).
Impact
This amendment introduces a tiered fine system for violations of the consumer fireworks selling regulations, where first offenses incur fines up to $5,000, escalating to $20,000 for second violations and $40,000 for third offenses. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the consumer fireworks certificate is necessary for compliance and that each certificate must be displayed prominently at retail locations. It aims to ensure that all fireworks sellers are adhering to safety regulations and are financially solvent to operate within Michigan's legal framework.
Summary
Senate Bill 503 aims to amend the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act (2011 PA 256) by updating the provisions surrounding the sale of consumer fireworks, particularly focusing on the licensing process for retailers. The bill requires individuals to obtain and maintain a consumer fireworks certificate annually from the Department of Treasury. The legislation is designed to improve safety and regulatory compliance in an industry that has seen rapid growth and increased safety concerns over the years.
Contention
An important provision of the bill is the moratorium on transfer requests for fireworks certificates during the peak selling months of June and July. This has sparked discussions among stakeholders regarding the operational challenges for retailers during high-demand periods. Critics argue that this moratorium could hinder business practices and limit retailers' flexibility to respond to changing sales conditions. Proponents, however, believe that it is a necessary measure to ensure good safety practices are upheld during peak seasons, as increased sales may correlate with decreased compliance.
Fireworks: licensing; moratorium on transferring the location of a consumer fireworks certificate during June and July of each year; remove. Amends sec. 4 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.454).
Fireworks: other; local ordinances regarding fireworks regulation; allow in certain circumstances. Amends secs. 5 & 7 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.455 & 28.457).
Fireworks: other; local ordinances regarding firework regulation; allow in certain circumstances. Amends secs. 5 & 7 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.455 & 28.457).
Fireworks: ordinances; the days that fireworks use may be regulated by a local unit of government; modify, and increase sanctions for certain violations. Amends secs. 7 & 12 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.457 & 28.462).
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.
Fireworks: licensing; moratorium on transferring the location of a consumer fireworks certificate during June and July of each year; remove. Amends sec. 4 of 2011 PA 256 (MCL 28.454).
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.