California Senate committee advances bill to require disclosure of fireworks storage and local permits after deadly warehouse blast

The California State Senate Committee on Governmental Organization advanced SB828 on a voice roll call after testimony that a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion revealed gaps in state and local oversight.

Senator Cabaldon, the bill’s author, told the committee the July explosion in Esparto killed seven people and highlighted that current systems ‘‘don’t talk to each other’’: state licensure and local storage permits are not verified against one another. He said SB828 would require anyone applying for a state fireworks license to disclose all storage-facility addresses and to show proof of any required local permits; the State Fire Marshal would notify local agencies, and the state could deny or revoke a license if applicants cannot provide proof.

‘‘When dangerous materials are stored in our communities, everyone responsible for public safety should know about it,’’ Cabaldon said, arguing the requirement is ‘‘not bureaucratic. It’s basic protection for lives.’’

Steven Obert, identified as deputy fire marshal for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, testified for the California Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire Districts Association of California and the California Fire Marshals. Obert said SB828 ‘‘closes critical gaps’’ that have left local fire marshals unaware of high-hazard fireworks facilities, hampering inspections, planning and firefighter safety. ‘‘This proactive review is critical to ensuring compliance with fire life safety codes and to preventing unsafe conditions that could otherwise result in catastrophic incidents,’’ he told the committee.

Industry witnesses registered support while noting implementation concerns. James Eady, a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator, said he filed written comments about implementation; Dennis Veil, speaking for TNT Fireworks, said his client supports the bill.

Committee members praised the bill as a first step but also pressed for further work. Senator Archuleta and others asked whether the measure includes training for first responders; Cabaldon said the bill does not change training but is intended to close information gaps and that further legislation could address training, penalties and other reforms. Senator Wahab urged stronger penalties and local enforcement tools.

Cabaldon said fines collected for violations would be directed back to affected jurisdictions to upgrade enforcement and training rather than into an unspecified statewide fund. After discussion, the committee recorded a do-pass referral to the Local Government Committee on SB828 and placed the item on call.

The committee also heard that in May 2023 authorities encountered more than 100,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in commerce statewide, a detail the author cited while urging legislative fixes. The committee did not adopt training language in SB828; supporters and the author said they expect follow-up bills or amendments to address training and penalties.

SB828 now goes to the Local Government Committee for further consideration.