Substitute House Bill No. 5177 (sHB5177) with File No. 45 proposes amendments to Section 29-356 and Section 29-357 of the general statutes, redefining "fireworks" to exclude sparklers, fountains, and certain nonexplosive and nonaerial consumer fireworks. It introduces a new category of fireworks, including flitter sparklers, ground spinners, and novelties as defined by the American Pyrotechnics Association Standard 87-1A. The bill allows individuals 18 years or older to sell or use these fireworks, with municipalities having the authority to regulate their sale and use at public assemblies. The bill also outlines the permit process for supervised displays and indoor pyrotechnic use, granting the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection regulatory authority. The effective date is October 1, 2024.

The bill includes a fiscal note predicting an annual sales tax revenue gain of up to $100,000 from the expanded sale of legal fireworks and potential savings from reduced illegal fireworks activity. It also reclassifies violations as a class C misdemeanor, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. The bill specifies new legal language for certain devices, such as those producing noise when dropped or sparklers with additional effects like colored flames or crackling. It sets requirements for the devices, such as weight limits for composition, and references related legislation, SB 140, which aims to expand legal fireworks further and raise the minimum age for fireworks use to 21. The committee action on sHB5177 was Joint Favorable Substitute with a vote of Yea 22 Nay 2 on February 29, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-356, 29-357
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 29-356, 29-357
File No. 45: 29-356, 29-357