HB69 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

State Fire Marshal, fireworks and pyrotechnics, fees, increased, transfer of portion to Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, increases further based on Consumer Price Index, Sec. 36-19-31 added; Secs. 8-17-211, 8-17-216.1, 8-17-237, 8-17-255, 34-3-11, 34-33A-12, 36-19-29 am'd.

Summary

HB 69 would raise fireworks and pyrotechnics permit fees, create a dedicated State Fire Marshal's Fund, and send 5% of those fees to a firefighter retirement fund every six months.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases permit fees for manufacturing, sale, display, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnics. It creates the State Fire Marshal's Fund to hold and spend fee revenue for enforcement, training, and fire-safety programs. It requires that 5% of the permit fees collected in each six-month period be transferred to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, starting six months after the act takes effect. It allows future fee increases to track the Consumer Price Index, with a cap of 2% per year, and includes retroactive provisions ratifying funds already collected before the effective date.

Who It Affects

• Fireworks and pyrotechnics permit holders (manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, seasonal retailers, and display operators) who will face higher, CPI-adjusted fees.
• The Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund (and the State Fire Marshal’s Office) which will receive a new revenue stream (5% of fees every six months) and manage the new State Fire Marshal's Fund for enforcement, training, and safety programs.

Key Provisions

• Increase the permit fees for Manufacturer ($2,000–$3,000), Distributor ($2,000–$3,000), Wholesaler ($700–$1,000), Retailer ($200–$300), Seasonal Retailer ($200–$300), Seasonal Retailer after July 10 ($100–$150), and Display fees ($50 for filing 10+ days before display; $75 for standard filing; $150 for same-day/late filing).
• Fees may be increased every five years by the CPI percentage, with the increase not exceeding 2% per year.
• Establishes the State Fire Marshal's Fund in the State Treasury to pay for the Fire Marshal's Office operations, enforcement, training, and fire-safety programs, with balances carried forward and not lapsing.
• A semi-annual transfer of 5% of the previous six months’ permit fees to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, beginning six months after the act’s effective date.
• The act becomes effective October 1, 2020, with prior deposits/collections ratified and semi-annual transfers beginning six months after that date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Fireworks