Substitute Senate Bill No. 140, effective October 1, 2024, revises the general statutes concerning the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Connecticut. The bill updates the definition of "fireworks" to exclude "consumer fireworks," which are now defined according to federal regulations but do not include sparklers or fountains. It permits individuals aged 21 and over to purchase, possess, and use consumer fireworks, and to sell them if licensed. The bill also outlines the conditions for the sale and use of sparklers and fountains by those 16 and older, and the process for obtaining permits for supervised fireworks displays or indoor pyrotechnics. Violations of these provisions can result in penalties ranging from a class C to a class A misdemeanor.

The bill mandates that no person can sell consumer fireworks without a valid federal license and a state license issued by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The state license requires a federal license, operation from a permanent structure, and a clean record regarding fireworks or explosives for the past two years. The commissioner will oversee the application process, which may include background checks and site inspections, with an annual renewal fee of $1,500. The bill is expected to generate $1.1 million in annual sales tax revenue and may reduce illegal fireworks activity. It is related to sHB 5177, which also seeks to expand the legal sale and use of certain fireworks. The bill passed the Public Safety and Security Committee with 15 yeas and 9 nays. There are no specific insertions or deletions from current law mentioned in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-356, 29-357
PS Joint Favorable: 29-356, 29-357
File No. 29: 29-356, 29-357