Substitute Senate Bill No. 368 seeks to establish a comprehensive State Explosives, Blasting, and Pyrotechnic Code under the oversight of the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). This new code will be developed in collaboration with an advisory committee composed of eleven members, including local fire marshals and industry experts, and will adhere to nationally recognized standards. The bill mandates that the code be updated concurrently with the State Building Code and within eighteen months of any new national standards. Key provisions include the Commissioner’s authority to issue official interpretations of the code, which must be published periodically, and a streamlined adoption process that bypasses certain requirements of the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act (UAPA).

The bill introduces several important insertions and deletions to current law, including the requirement for the Commissioner to coordinate with the advisory committee on regulations concerning the safe handling of explosives and pyrotechnics. It also stipulates that any proposed code rejected by the Regulation Review Committee must be resubmitted within thirty days, along with a summary of changes. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing statutes related to fireworks permits and emphasizes the need for local inspections and approvals. Notably, it establishes that no provisions adopted after October 1, 2026, will be valid unless they comply with the new requirements, thereby enhancing safety measures and ensuring consistent enforcement of regulations.

Statutes affected:
PS Joint Favorable: 4-173
File No. 297: 4-173