BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 467
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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.'"
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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
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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:
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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
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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
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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