BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 467 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 8, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION Adam Gray, Chair AB 467 (Chang) - As Amended April 6, 2015 SUBJECT: Pyrotechnic devices: model rockets SUMMARY: Increases the maximum weight of a "model rocket" from 500 to 1,500 grams (including the engine and payload) in provisions of law regulating fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Makes a change to the definition of "model rocket" and "model rocket engine" to conform federal regulatory definitions and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Specifically, this bill: 1) Increases the maximum weight of a "model rocket" from 500 to 1,500 grams (including the engine and payload) in provisions of law regulating fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. 2) Provides that the definition of "model rocket" must conform to the "2013 edition of the 'NFPA 1122: Code for Model Rocketry.'" AB 467 Page 2 3) Revises the definition of a "model rocket engine" to mean "a rocket propulsion device using commercially manufactured solid propellant, that does not require mixing by the user, and that conforms to the definition of a 'model rocket engine' in the 2012 edition of the 'NFPA 1125: Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors.'" EXISTING LAW: 1) Authorizes the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to issue and renew licenses for the manufacture, import, export, sale, and use of all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. 2) Provides that a license shall not be required for the retail sale, use, or discharge of model rocket engines. 3) Requires SFM to classify all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices and prohibits the importation, sale, or offering for sale prior to the classification. 4) Requires all fireworks or toy propellant devices containing pyrotechnic compositions that the SFM finds come within the definition of a "model rocket" or "model rocket engine" to be AB 467 Page 3 classified as model rocket engines. 5) Prohibits a person from launching a model rocket from a site without first securing authorization from the authority having jurisdiction. 6) Defines a model rocket as a toy or educational device that weighs not more than 500 grams, including the engine and any payload, which is propelled by a model rocket engine. Defines a model rocket engine as a commercially manufactured, non-reusable rocket propulsion device that is constructed of nonmetallic casing and solid propellant, as provided. 7) Under Federal law, the following definitions apply to Class 1-Model Amateur Rocket: ... Weighs no more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces), including the propellant. FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. COMMENTS: Background: AB 467 Page 4 What is a model rocket? According to the United States National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code, model rockets are constructed of paper, wood, plastic and other lightweight materials. The code also provides guidelines for motor use, launch site selection, launch methods, launcher placement, recovery system design and deployment and more. Since the early 1960s, a copy of the Model Rocket Safety Code has been provided with most model rocket kits and motors. Like an airplane, a model rocket is subjected to the forces of weight, thrust, and aerodynamics during its flight. A model rocket is designed to reach low altitudes (usually to around 100-500 m (300-1500 ft.) for a 30 g (1 oz.) model) and recovered by a variety of means. Despite its inherent association with extremely flammable substances and objects with a pointed tip traveling at high speeds, model rocketry historically has proven to be a very safe hobby and has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for children who eventually become scientists and engineers. Purpose of the bill: Federal law, most states, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) define a model rocket as an amateur or toy rocket that weighs no more than 1500 grams. However, California law limits rockets to only 500 grams and applies other restrictions that inhibit the learning experience of model rocket enthusiasts, such as the composition of the rocket, rocket handling, and reusable rocket motors. Many of these laws are based on standard technology used at the time AB 467 Page 5 California rocketry law was enacted in the 1970s. According to the author, thousands of children across California use model rockets as recreational and educational tools but California laws are outdated and not aligned with modern rocketry. Archaic model rocket laws are putting kids and teens at a disadvantage in national competitions as well as discouraging others from participating in important learning experiences with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fundamentals. For example, the most recent rules for the Team America Rocketry Challenge which is the world's largest student model rocket contest allows for a rocket up to 650 grams gross weight at liftoff but California law for model rocketry limits gross weight to 500 grams. AB 467 will modernize California's model rocket laws and ensure this important hobby continues to be a learning platform for STEM education. Model rocketry is an important learning tool and inspiration for STEM - fields that are in desperate need of participation in order for California's economy to thrive. In a survey of one of the most popular national competitions -- Team America Rocketry Challenge -- 85% of participants had positive views about pursuing careers in STEM. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support AB 467 Page 6 Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation Rocket Motor Components 28 letters from the general public Opposition None on file Analysis Prepared by:Eric Johnson / G.O. / (916) 319-2531