Substitute House Bill No. 7054 seeks to amend Connecticut's regulations on the sale and use of fireworks, particularly focusing on nonexplosive and nonaerial consumer fireworks. The bill redefines "fireworks" to exclude items such as sparklers and fountains, while introducing new categories of nonexplosive and nonaerial fireworks, including flitter sparklers and party poppers. A significant change is the increase in the minimum age for purchasing and using these fireworks from sixteen to eighteen years old. Additionally, municipalities are granted the authority to enact ordinances that can restrict the use of these fireworks in public assembly areas. The bill also establishes a regulatory framework for the sale and use of fireworks, requiring permits for supervised displays and setting safety regulations to be enforced by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for novelty devices, such as the "Novelty Wire Sparkler" and "Novelty Smoke Device," and outlines specific requirements for their composition and handling. It removes previous limitations on certain chemical compositions for fountains and increases the total pyrotechnic composition allowed for multiple fountains mounted on a common base. Violations of the new age restrictions or municipal ordinances will be classified as class C misdemeanors, while more serious violations related to the sale of fireworks could result in class A misdemeanors or class C felonies if they lead to injury or death. The bill is projected to generate up to $100,000 in annual sales tax revenue and is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-356, 29-357
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 29-356, 29-357
File No. 401: 29-356, 29-357