Fireworks (7)

Date of Last Recorded Action: 4/25/2024

HB 0015 NeutralLegalize Fireworks - the American Heritage Celebration Act Turner, Scot 21st
1/15/2015 House Second Readers RegI --
Fire Services Fireworks General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
Current law only allows certain sparklers, sparkling devices and limted other items to be legally sold as fireworks in Georgia. This bill greatly expands that, allowing any fireworks to be sold that are not illegal under Federal law. Counties and cities would have the authority to prohibit or otherwise regulate what fireworks could be sold within their respective jurisdictions.
HB 0110 SupportFireworks - Legalizing Those Not Prohibited by Federal Law Roberts, Jay 155th
7/1/2015 Effective Date RegI PUB SAF -
Fire Services Fireworks General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation authorizes the sale of fireworks in Georgia which are not prohibited by federal law to anyone age 18 or older. Fireworks are subject to a 5 percent excise tax (in addition to other state and local sales taxes) which goes to the state. Fireworks may be used between 10 a.m. and 12 Midnight, with hours extended to 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, July 3-4, and Dec. 31. Local governments may authorize extended times on other dates via special use permits (the fee for which may not exceed $100).  While there is no "opt-out" provision for counties wishing to prohibit fireworks sales or usage, counties may regulate the sale of fireworks from temporary locations as well as require a permit or license for these sales.  Permanent retail locations are licensed by the state.  Local fire departments will license "temporary" sale locations for a $500 fee which goes to the local governing authority, but must be spent on public safety purposes. The state fire marshal enforces this law, with local fire departments referring cases for enforcement.  County zoning or other land use practices are not impacted by this law.  Local sales taxes will apply to firework sales.  
HB 0727 SupportFireworks - Revisions Battles, Paul 15th
4/26/2016 House Date Signed by Governor RegI PUB SAF -
Code Enforcement Correctional Institutions/Jail Econ. Dev. & Transportation Emergency Management/Preparedness Fire Services
Fireworks General County Government Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Nat. Res. & the Environment
Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards

This legislation now authorizes the use of fireworks on any day of the year between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (with the exceptions below). Local governments may adopt ordinances allowing or regulating their usage from 9:00 p.m. until midnight.  On July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31, fireworks may be used statewide from 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and on Jan. 1 fireworks may be used statewide from midnight to 1:00 a.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. For a more detailed summary of the legislation, please click  here.

HB 0774 SupportFireworks - Provide for Local Control Atwood, Alex 179th
1/21/2016 House Second Readers PS&HS --
Fire Services Fireworks General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation amends the fireworks bill from last session. It allows fireworks to be used from 10a.m. until midnight on July 3rd and 4th and from 10a.m. on New Year's Eve until 1a.m. New Year's Day. It also provides local government control over the use of fireworks on local government property. If fireworks are to be used on any other day(s) of the year (and hours of use), then local governments must authorize via local ordinance.
HB 0842 EvaluatingFireworks - Increase Regulations on Temporary Stands Taylor, Tom 79th
1/28/2016 House Second Readers RegI --
Auditing/Budget Business and Occupation Tax Fire Services Fireworks General County Government
Land Use/Zoning Probate Court Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards
In what appears to be a turf battle brewing between temporary and permanent firework retailers, this legislation increases regulations on temporary fireworks stands and requires that these stands pay a $500 license fee to the county or city for each stand location within the jurisdiction. The license is only valid from June 18 through July 6, and December 20 through January 1 of following year, renewed annually. On the other hand, counties could not restrict the location of permanent fireworks retail stores - unless such prohibitions are consistent with the U.S. Constitution.
SB 0350 SupportFireworks: Dedicating the State's 5-Percent Excise Tax Mullis, Jeff 53rd
1/1/2017 Effective Date W&M PUB SAF -
Fireworks Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards
SB 350 dedicates the proceeds of the 5-percent state excise tax on fireworks as follows: 1) 55 percent goes to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; 2) 40 percent goes to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council to be used for grants to aid local fire departments with equipment and training; and 3) 5 percent goes to local government 911 systems, to be dispersed proportionally as are, and along with, prepaid cell phone proceeds. The bill is contingent upon voter approval of a companion constitutional amendment, SR 558, that would truly dedicate this state money.
SR 0558 SupportFireworks - Dedicating the State's 5 Percent Excise Tax Mullis, Jeff 53rd
5/3/2016 Senate Date Signed by Governor W&M PUB SAF -
Fire Services Fireworks General County Government Health and Human Services Law Enforcement
Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards Trauma Care System

This legislation asks the voters to consider a referendum amending the Georgia Constitution to designate the proceeds of the state excise tax on firework sales to be used for trauma care, fire training and public safety.

 
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