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Senate passes substitute fireworks bill establishing licensing for large displays
Summary
A substitute to SB 123 was passed to clarify definitions and establish a licensing framework for Class B fireworks operators; the bill was reported out with 25 ayes, 3 nays and 1 absent. Debate clarified penalties and confirmed the bill did not legalize aerial consumer fireworks.
The Senate passed a substitute version of Senate Bill 123 on Feb. 12, 1992 that makes technical changes to the Utah Fireworks Act and adds licensing for Class B operators who perform large displays.
Senator McMullen said the substitute was the product of negotiations with wholesalers and the state fire marshal and includes a licensing requirement for Class B display operators to provide control and safety oversight. The sponsor said the substitute did not change which fireworks are legal in Utah, did not legalize aerial or large consumer fireworks, and preserved existing criminal penalties for unauthorized possession or use of Class B fireworks.
Members asked technical questions about agricultural fireworks (used to prevent crop damage), who approves operators (the state fire marshal for Class B displays), and whether out-of-state merchandise would be treated differently. Senators asked about penalties; the bill retains Class B misdemeanor penalties cited in debate (up to $1,000 fine and up to six months in county jail). The clerk announced the third-reading result as 25 ayes, 3 nays and 1 absent; the bill was placed on the third-reading calendar.
