SB147 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

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, Sec. 36-19-31 added; 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, 34-33A-12 am'd.

Summary

SB 147 would rename common fireworks to consumer fireworks, raise permit fees under the State Fire Marshal, require labeling and NFPA-compliant use for pyrotechnics, and send a portion of fees to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, with local rules preempted for certain items.

What This Bill Does

It redesignates common fireworks as consumer fireworks and clarifies which devices are regulated as non-aerial ground devices and novelties, with local ordinances not allowed to conflict with these rules. It increases the fees for State Fire Marshal permits for manufacturing, sale, and display of fireworks and for using pyrotechnics before a crowd, and it creates per-location fees for different device types. It requires compliance with NFPA 1126 for pyrotechnic use at events, with a 10-day permit requirement and higher fees if the permit is requested later. It establishes the State Fire Marshal's Fund and, every six months, transfers 5% of the permit fees to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and it allows fee increases based on the CPI.

Who It Affects

• Fireworks manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, annual and seasonal retailers, and display operators would face higher permit fees, new permit categories, and new per-location and display fees, plus reporting and labeling rules.
• Local governments (cities and counties) and Alabama residents who buy fireworks would be affected by the state’s preemption of local rules for consumer fireworks, the availability of only state-regulated items for sale, and the funding changes that support fire safety programs.

Key Provisions

• Redesignate common fireworks as consumer fireworks and define non-aerial ground devices and novelties per federal law; city and county ordinances may not conflict with regulation of these items.
• Increase permit fees for manufacturing, sale, and display of fireworks and for the use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience; include new per-location fees for aerial devices, non-aerial devices, audible devices, and novelties; display permit fees vary by filing time.
• Require compliance with NFPA 1126 for pyrotechnics before a proximate audience; permits must be filed at least 10 days before events (with a higher fee if filed later); separate applications for multiple events at the same location are allowed.
• Establish the State Fire Marshal's Fund to operate and enforce fireworks laws, fund training and fire-safety programs, and allow carryover of unspent funds to the next year.
• Semiannually transfer 5% of the permit fees collected to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund.
• Provide for labeling and identification rules for fireworks shipments and products; include prohibitions on unlawful items and mechanisms for seizure of contraband; local ordinances cannot conflict with state rules for specified items.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Fireworks