SB289 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tim MelsonSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Fireworks, State Fire Marshal, fees for manufacturing, sale, display, increased, common fireworks, redesignated consumer fireworks, authorized to be sold at retail, preemption of co. and mun ordinances or laws, fees increased based on increases in Consumer Price Index (CPI), transfer of funds to Firefighter Annunity and Benefit Fund, Secs. 8-17-210, 8-17-211, 8-17-216.1, 8-17-217, 8-17-218, 8-17-219, 8-17-220, 8-17-225, 8-17-226, 8-17-255, 34-33-11 am'd.
Summary: SB 289 redesignates common fireworks as consumer fireworks, adds CPI-based fee increases and creates a new State Fire Marshal's Fund that funds enforcement and a transfer to firefighters’ retirement.
What This Bill Does
It changes terminology to treat common fireworks as consumer fireworks and clarifies that local ordinances cannot conflict with regulation of certain non-aerial devices and novelties. It raises several permit and display fees for manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, annual retailers, seasonal retailers, and displays, with increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. It creates the State Fire Marshal's Fund to collect and spend fees for enforcement, training, and fire safety programs, and it requires a semiannual transfer of 5% of permit fees to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund. The changes are retroactive and take effect starting November 1, 2019.

Who It Affects
Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund and the State Fire Marshal's Office, which will receive a 5% semiannual transfer of permit fees and manage the new State Fire Marshal's Fund for enforcement and programs.
Fireworks industry participants (manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, annual retailers, seasonal retailers, and display operators) and local governments (cities/counties) in Alabama, who face new or higher permit and display fees, updated definitions, and CPI-based fee adjustments.

Key Provisions
Redesignation of common fireworks as consumer fireworks and definition of non-aerial ground devices and novelties; local ordinances may not conflict with regulation of these items.
Increased permit and related fees for Manufacturer, Distributor, Wholesaler, Annual Retailer, Seasonal Retailer, and Display permits; specific fee schedules and per-location charges are laid out in the bill.
Creation of the State Fire Marshal's Fund in the State Treasury to finance the Fire Marshal's Office, enforcement, training, and fire safety programs; funds are to be used as budgeted and shall not lapse at year end but carry forward.
Semiannual transfer of five percent of the permit fees collected to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund.
Allows fee increases on a CPI basis every five years (not exceeding 2% per year) and provides retroactive effect to implement these changes beginning November 1, 2019.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Fireworks