South Carolina General Assembly
118th Session, 2009-2010

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A196, R207, S454

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Senators Peeler and Ford
Document Path: l:\council\bills\nbd\11286ac09.docx
Companion/Similar bill(s): 3941

Introduced in the Senate on February 19, 2009
Introduced in the House on May 21, 2009
Last Amended on March 25, 2010
Passed by the General Assembly on March 25, 2010
Governor's Action: May 19, 2010, Vetoed
Legislative veto action(s): Veto overridden

Summary: State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2/19/2009  Senate  Introduced and read first time SJ-6
   2/19/2009  Senate  Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry 
                        SJ-6
   4/28/2009  Senate  Polled out of committee Labor, Commerce and Industry 
                        SJ-14
   4/28/2009  Senate  Committee report: Favorable with amendment Labor, 
                        Commerce and Industry SJ-14
   4/29/2009          Scrivener's error corrected
   5/20/2009  Senate  Read second time SJ-64
   5/21/2009  Senate  Committee Amendment Adopted SJ-33
   5/21/2009  Senate  Amended SJ-33
   5/21/2009  Senate  Read third time and sent to House SJ-33
   5/21/2009  House   Introduced and read first time HJ-140
   5/21/2009  House   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry 
                        HJ-141
   1/27/2010  House   Committee report: Favorable with amendment Labor, 
                        Commerce and Industry HJ-3
   1/28/2010  House   Amended HJ-18
   1/28/2010  House   Read second time HJ-27
   1/28/2010  House   Unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative 
                        day HJ-27
   1/29/2010  House   Read third time and returned to Senate with amendments
    2/3/2010  Senate  House amendment amended SJ-43
    2/3/2010  Senate  Returned to House with amendments SJ-43
    2/4/2010          Scrivener's error corrected
   2/17/2010  House   Debate adjourned on amendments HJ-27
   2/18/2010  House   Debate adjourned until Wednesday, February 24, 2010 HJ-40
   2/24/2010  House   Debate adjourned until Thursday, February 25, 2010 HJ-21
   2/25/2010  House   Debate adjourned HJ-26
    3/2/2010  House   Non-concurrence in Senate amendment HJ-23
    3/4/2010  Senate  Senate insists upon amendment and conference committee 
                        appointed Peeler, Bryant and Nicholson SJ-10
    3/4/2010  House   Conference committee appointed Reps. Sandifer, Hayes, 
                        and Huggins HJ-118
   3/25/2010  House   Free conference powers granted HJ-147
   3/25/2010  House   Free conference committee appointed Sandifer, Huggins 
                        and Hayes HJ-148
   3/25/2010  House   Roll call Yeas-92  Nays-3 HJ-148
   3/25/2010  House   Free conference report received and adopted HJ-148
   3/25/2010  House   Roll call Yeas-97  Nays-1 HJ-159
   3/25/2010  Senate  Free conference powers granted SJ-157
   3/25/2010  Senate  Free conference committee appointed Peeler, Bryant, and 
                        Nicholson SJ-157
   3/25/2010  Senate  Free conference report adopted SJ-157
   4/13/2010  House   Ordered enrolled for ratification HJ-13
   5/13/2010          Ratified R 207
   5/19/2010          Vetoed by Governor
   5/26/2010  Senate  Veto overridden by originating body Yeas-31  Nays-9 SJ-90
    6/1/2010  House   Veto overridden Yeas-62  Nays-6 HJ-77
   6/11/2010          Effective date 06/01/10
   6/15/2010          Act No. 196

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

2/19/2009
4/28/2009
4/29/2009
5/21/2009
1/27/2010
1/28/2010
2/3/2010
2/4/2010
3/25/2010


(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

(A196, R207, S454)

AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 56, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC REGULATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CHAPTER TITLE, TO PROVIDE STATE POLICY CONCERNING PYROTECHNICS, TO INCREASE THE STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC SAFETY FROM SIX TO SEVEN MEMBERS, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR FILLING A BOARD SEAT THAT IS VACANT FOR SIXTY DAYS, TO PROVIDE THAT MILEAGE, PER DIEM, AND SUBSISTENCE FOR BOARD MEMBERS MUST BE PAID BY THE BOARD RATHER THAN FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL WILL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE BOARD AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, AMONG OTHER FUNCTIONS, WILL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE, FISCAL, INVESTIGATIVE, AND INSPECTION OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD, TO DEFINE TERMS, TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR THE MANUFACTURING, SALE, OR STORAGE OF FIREWORKS AND TO PROVIDE LICENSURE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT, FIRE CHIEFS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC SAFETY, TO PROVIDE GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND SANCTIONS THAT MAY BE IMPOSED, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS AND APPEALS, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING, SALE, OR STORAGE OF FIREWORKS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR A RETAIL FIREWORKS SALES LICENSE, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE, TO REQUIRE A WHOLESALE LICENSE TO STORE DISPLAY FIREWORKS, TO REQUIRE THE REPORTING OF FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS, TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF PERSONS MANUFACTURING, SELLING, OR STORING FIREWORKS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 23-35-10, 23-35-20, 23-35-30, 23-35-40, 23-35-50, 23-35-60, 23-35-70, 23-35-80, 23-35-90, 23-35-100, 23-35-110, 23-35-120, 23-35-140, AND 23-35-160 RELATING TO THE REGULATION, LICENSURE, AND PERMITTING OF FIREWORKS AND EXPLOSIVES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Pyrotechnics; licensure and regulation

SECTION    1.    Chapter 56, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"CHAPTER 56

State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety

Section 40-56-1.        It is the policy of this State, and the purpose of this chapter, to promote the safety of the public and the environment by effective regulation of pyrotechnics. Public safety requires that persons who handle pyrotechnics have demonstrated their qualifications, that they adhere to reliable safety standards, and that the sites where pyrotechnics are manufactured, stored, and sold adhere to reliable safety standards. It is neither the policy of this State nor the purpose of this chapter to place undue restrictions upon entry into the business of handling pyrotechnics.

Section 40-56-5.        Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, Chapter 1, Title 40 applies to the Board of Pyrotechnic Safety and licensees regulated under this chapter. If there is a conflict between this chapter and Chapter 1, the provisions of this chapter control.

Section 40-56-10.        (A)    The State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor. One appointee must be employed by a local fire authority, one must be a pyrotechnics retailer, one must be a pyrotechnics wholesaler, one must be a law enforcement representative, and three must be members of the public who shall not possess any pecuniary interest in any entity engaged in a business directly involving the sale of pyrotechnics. A seat on the board that remains vacant for sixty days must be filled through an appointment by the Chairman of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, and the Chairman of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

(B)    The terms of office for members are for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

(C)    The board shall meet at least annually and not more than once per month. All meetings must be scheduled at the call of the chairman. The board shall elect from its members a chairman, vice chairman, and other officers as it considers necessary to serve for terms of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. All members shall receive mileage, per diem, and subsistence as provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions for days on which they are transacting official business, to be paid by the board.

(D)    The department's Office of State Fire Marshal shall provide administrative support as required by the board to perform its prescribed functions. The State Fire Marshal is an official consultant and is authorized to attend all meetings.

Section 40-56-20.        As used in this chapter:

(1)    'APA' means the American Pyrotechnics Association.

(2)    'Board' means the State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety.

(3)    'Consumer fireworks' means any small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion and which must comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as set forth in Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1500 and 1507 and APA Standard 87-1. Some small devices designed to produce audible effects are consumer fireworks, including, but not limited to, whistling devices, ground devices containing 50 mg or less of explosive materials, and aerial devices containing 130 mg or less of explosive materials. Consumer fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0336, and UN0337 by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 C.F.R. 172.101. This term does not include fused setpieces containing components which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder. Consumer fireworks are further defined as those classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation hazard classification 1.4G. These fireworks were formerly known as 'Class C Fireworks'.

(4)    'CPSC' means the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

(5)    'Department' means the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

(6)    'Display fireworks' means large fireworks designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation. This term includes, but is not limited to, salutes containing more than 2 grains (130 mg) of explosive materials, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, and other display pieces which exceed the limits of explosive materials for classification as 'consumer fireworks'. Display fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 C.F.R. 172.101. This term also includes fused setpieces containing components which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder. Display fireworks are further defined as those classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as hazard classification 1.3G. These fireworks were formerly known as 'Class B Fireworks'.

(7)    'DOT' means the U.S. Department of Transportation.

(8)    'Fireworks' means any composition or device designed to produce a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and which meets the definition of 'consumer fireworks' or 'display fireworks' as defined by this section.

(9)    'Licensee' means a person, firm, or entity that has been issued a license by the board under the provisions of this chapter to manufacture, sell, or store fireworks.

(10)    'NFPA' means National Fire Protection Association.

(11)    'Pyrotechnics' means any composition or device designed to produce visible or audible effects for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.

(12)    'Small bottle rocket' is a consumer firework with a motor less than one-half inch in diameter and three inches in length, a stabilizing stick less than fifteen inches in length, and a total pyrotechnic composition not exceeding 20 grams in weight.

Section 40-56-30.        It is unlawful for a person to engage in the manufacturing, storage, or sale of pyrotechnics unless in compliance with this chapter.

Section 40-56-35.        (A)    Except as otherwise provided for in this section, a person, firm, or entity that manufactures, sells, or stores fireworks shall obtain a license issued by the board pursuant to this chapter. General license requirements are as follows:

(1)    A license may not be issued to anyone under the age of eighteen.

(2)    An application for licensure must be submitted on forms prescribed by the board accompanied by applicable fees.

(3)    A license is required for each physical address or site at which fireworks are manufactured, sold, or stored.

(4)    A copy of the appropriate license issued by the South Carolina Department of Revenue for retail sales of fireworks must accompany each application for a retail fireworks sales license.

(5)    Initial license applications and applications for license renewal may be approved only after an authorized agent of the board inspects the buildings and facilities where fireworks are to be manufactured, sold, or stored for compliance with the current codes and standards.

(6)    All licenses and permits only may be issued for one calendar year.

(7)    Licenses must be prominently displayed at the licensee's place of business approved for the manufacture, sale, or storage of fireworks.

(8)    Licenses issued by the board are nontransferable.

(B)    A license is not required for the:

(1)    manufacture, sale, storage, transportation, handling, or a combination of these, including, but not limited to, railroad torpedoes, automotive, aeronautical, and marine flares and smoke signals;

(2)    transportation, storage, handling, or use of fireworks, or a combination of these, by the Armed Forces of the United States;

(3)    transportation, handling, or use of fireworks, or a combination of these, by the State Fire Marshal, his employees, or a commissioned law enforcement officer acting within his official capacity; or

(4)    fireworks deregulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Section 40-56-50.        The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation shall provide all administrative, fiscal, investigative, inspection, clerical, secretarial, and license renewal operations and activities of the board pursuant to Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-70.        (A)    It is the duty and responsibility of the board to promulgate, pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, regulations relating to pyrotechnics in this State, including the manufacture, sale, storage, and fire safety of these products. These regulations must be adjusted using the procedures in Chapter 34, Title 1.

(B)    The board may conduct hearings on alleged violations by licensees of this chapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter and may discipline these licensees.

(C)    The board also shall recommend to the General Assembly legislation it considers necessary for the safety and control of the sale of pyrotechnics.

Section 40-56-80.        (A)    The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation shall investigate complaints and violations of this chapter as provided for in Chapter 1.

(B)    During reasonable business hours, the department or its authorized agent may enter the premises or vehicle of a person engaged in the manufacture, sale, or storage of pyrotechnics to inspect, investigate, or examine the property or installation it considers necessary. When an emergency exists, as declared by the department, the inspector may enter the premises of a person and take necessary action for public safety including, but not limited to, the evacuation of the area where the emergency exists.

(C)    A fire chief and his inspector, a sheriff and his deputy, a chief of police and his officer, and an agent of SLED may inspect a building, facility, or vehicle where fireworks may be manufactured, stored, or sold and records of manufacturing, storage, sales, and purchases that must be maintained.

(D)    An official named in this section who has the authority to inspect may confiscate illegal fireworks being manufactured, offered for sale, stored, or possessed.

(E)    The board may compel the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to a matter within its jurisdiction.

Section 40-56-100.        In addition to other remedies provided for in this chapter, the board pursuant to Chapter 1 may issue a cease and desist order or may petition the Administrative Law Court for a temporary restraining order or other equitable relief to enjoin a violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

Section 40-56-115.        The board has jurisdiction over the actions of licensees and former licensees as provided for in Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-120.        (A)    Upon a determination by the board that grounds for discipline exist, the board is authorized to:

(1)    issue a public reprimand;

(2)    impose a civil penalty not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars;

(3)    place a licensee on probation or restrict or suspend a license for a definite or indefinite time period and prescribe conditions to be met during this period including, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of additional education, or a supervisory period; or

(4)    revoke the license.

(B)    The board may take disciplinary action against a person for:

(1)    the grounds stated in Chapter 1; or

(2)    a condition found as a result of an inspection, examination, or investigation provided for in Section 40-56-80 that is hazardous to public safety.

Section 40-56-130.        The board may deny licensure to an applicant based on the same grounds for which the board may take disciplinary action against a licensee.

Section 40-56-140.        A license may be denied based on a person's prior criminal record only as provided for in Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-150.        A licensee under investigation for a violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter may voluntarily surrender the license pursuant to Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-160.        A person aggrieved by a final action of the board may seek review of the decision pursuant to Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-170.        A person found in violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated pursuant this chapter may be required to pay costs associated with the investigation and prosecution of the case pursuant to Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-180.        All costs and fines imposed pursuant to this chapter must be paid in accordance with, and are subject to, the collection and enforcement provisions of Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-190.        Investigations and proceedings conducted under the provisions of this chapter are confidential, and all communications are privileged as provided for in Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-200.        (A)    A person required by this chapter to obtain a license to do business in this State, who has not obtained a license or who operates while his license is suspended or revoked or who violates a provision of this chapter or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned for not less than ninety days and not more than one year.

(B)    This chapter does not repeal, amend, or otherwise affect fire codes and regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

Section 40-56-210.        In addition to initiating a criminal proceeding for a violation of this chapter, the board may seek civil penalties and injunctive relief as provided for in Chapter 1.

Section 40-56-220.        (A)    All facilities for the manufacturing, sales, or storage of fireworks must comply with regulations established by the board.

(B)    All consumer fireworks must comply with standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the CPSC for consumer fireworks. The board may request fireworks be tested by a CPSC certified testing group to see that these standards are met.

(C)    Retail sale and use of small bottle rockets are not legal within South Carolina.

(D)    Fireworks may not be sold to anyone under the age of sixteen.

Section 40-56-230.    (A)    An application for a retail fireworks sales license must be accompanied by evidence that the applicant holds a policy that:

(1)    provides public liability insurance coverage for retail sales activities at the location for the permitted sale period;

(2)    is issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this State; and

(3)    provides coverage in the following minimum amounts:

(a)    one million dollars for injuries or damage to any one person in one accident or occurrence;

(b)    one million dollars for injuries to two or more persons in any accident or occurrence; and

(c)    one million dollars combined single-limit coverage for any one accident or occurrence.

(B)    A policy, except those policies issued for fewer than ninety days' use for seasonal permits, by its original term or an endorsement, must obligate the insurer to not cancel, suspend, or nonrenew the policy without thirty days' written notice of the proposed cancellation, suspension, or nonrenewal being given to the board. The insured immediately shall give notice to the board if liability insurance is canceled, suspended, or nonrenewed.

Section 40-56-240.        (A)    A person may not store display fireworks in this State unless the person has obtained a wholesale license from the board.

(B)    Only licensed wholesalers shall sell or provide fireworks for displays.

(C)    All buildings and structures used to store display fireworks must meet regulations established by the board.

(D)    These license holders also must comply with U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms regulations.

Section 40-56-250.        (A)    If the board or its designee finds a condition as a result of an inspection, that is hazardous to the public safety or a violation of this chapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, the board shall issue an order in writing to remove or correct the condition. If a person fails to comply with the terms of the order, the board may issue administrative citations and may assess administrative penalties against any licensee.

(B)    Administrative penalties authorized under this section are separate from and in addition to all other remedies, either civil or criminal.

(C)    Administrative penalties assessed pursuant to this section may not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars for each violation.

(D)    An entity or individual assessed administrative penalties by citation under this section may appeal the citation to the Board of Pyrotechnic Safety within fifteen days of receipt of the citation. The appeal must be filed in writing. If an appeal is filed, the board shall schedule a hearing, which shall make a determination in the matter. If no appeal is filed, the citation is deemed a final order, and the administrative penalties must be paid within thirty days of receipt of the citation.

Section 40-56-260.        An owner, manager, or operator of any location regulated by this chapter shall report to the board within twenty-four hours of any fire or explosion of which the person has knowledge, with as complete detail as possible, together with evidence as he has obtained after investigation of the fire or explosion. No reports filed pursuant to this section may be disclosed unless disclosure is in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 4, Title 30 of the 1976 Code.

Section 40-56-270.        If a provision of this chapter or the application of a provision to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable."

Repeals

SECTION    2.    The following sections of the 1976 Code are repealed: 23-35-10, 23-35-20, 23-35-30, 23-35-40, 23-35-50, 23-35-60, 23-35-70, 23-35-80, 23-35-90, 23-35-100, 23-35-110, 23-35-120, 23-35-140, and 23-35-160.

Time effective

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 13th day of May, 2010.

Vetoed by the Governor -- 5/19/2010.

Veto overridden by Senate -- 5/26/2010.

Veto overridden by House -- 6/1/2010.

__________


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