Committee hears SB 199 to expand fireworks sales window and change retail rules; fire marshal urges safety limits

A Kansas House committee heard Senate Bill 199, which would revise state law governing consumer fireworks sales and licensing.

The Revisor summarized the bill—6s changes, saying the original draft would replace the distributor definition with three categories, expand "fireworks season" (as proposed, June 20July 7), add license types and registration requirements for retailers, prohibit internet and mail sales, require physical locations for permanent retailers and make other changes. The Revisor said the Senate amended the bill to remove the Internet/mail-sales prohibition and to remove required registration for seasonal retailers.

Representative Ken Collins, a small fireworks operator who testified in support of the bill, said expanded windows would help small businesses and fundraising partners such as school groups. "Allowing year round sale of fireworks would open up opportunities for people to celebrate many occasions beyond Independence…