IFSA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE by Margaret Vaughn, IFSA Lobbyist

From the January 2006 newsletter... Margaret Vaughn, IFSA Lobbyist

Governor signs fireworks displayer licensing act!

A goal which IFSA started working towards accomplishing over 10 years ago finally became a reality this summer, when Gov. Rod Blagojevich singed HB 1482, the Fireworks Displayer Licensing Act, into law.

HB 1482's chief sponsors, Rep. Tim Schmitz (R-Batavia) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) were presented special recognition awards by IFSA for their support. IFSA would also like to express a special thanks to HB 1482's co-sponsors: Rep. Steve Davis (D-Bethalto), Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island), Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), Rep. Mike Smith (D-Canton), Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline), Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein), Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood), Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest), Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), Sen. Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago).

Under the Fireworks Displayers Act:

  1. All lead pyrotechnic operators must be licensed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (this covers both indoor and outdoor displays and use of Class B and Class C fireworks);
  2. All lead pyrotechnic operators must have the required training and pass an exam issued by the OSFM;
  3. OSFM may also require license applicants to provide fingerprints in the manner provided by the State Police.

HB 1482 also made the following changes to the Fireworks Use Act:

  1. Applicants for display permits must show proof of $1,000,000 (currently $1,000) of liability insurance;
  2. Before a permit is issued, the display shall be inspected to insure that it is in compliance with the appropriate NFPA guidelines (1123 for outdoor and 1126 for indoor);
  3. Indoor displays are only allowed in sprinklered buildings;
  4. The local fire chief must sign off on all permits.

What next?

HB 1482 was drafted in a manner which requires extensive rulemaking by the OSFM. While state statute defines what the law is; administrative rules details the specifics on how an agency will implement a law. IFSA is working very closely with the OSFM on the rulemaking process. IFSA President Mike Figolah is chairman of the Outdoor Pyrotechnic Committee for rulemaking and both Mary Werderich and I serve on the Committee.

If you have any questions or concerns on this new law or any legislative matter, please feel free to contact me at 217-793-8635 or by email at mvaughn@springnet1.com.