BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 467
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Date of Hearing: April 15, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB
467 (Chang) - As Amended April 6, 2015
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|Policy | Governmental Organization |Vote:|21-0 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill conforms the definition of "model rocket" to that used
in National Fire Protection Association 2013 edition of the NFPA
1122: Code for Model Rocketry, conforms the definition of "model
rocket engine" to that used in the 2012 edition of the NFPA
1125: Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power
Rocket Motors, and increases the maximum allowed total weight of
a model rocket from 500 to 1500 grams.
FISCAL EFFECT:
AB 467
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Minor and absorbable costs to the California State Fire Marshal.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. According to the author, most states define a model
rocket as an amateur or toy rocket that weighs up to 1500
grams and conforms to the NFPA standards. Current California
law limits model rockets to a maximum weight of 500 grams and
further restricts model rocket composition and prohibits
reloadable rocket engines. According to the author, thousands
of children and amateurs use model rockets for recreation and
educational purposes, but the current laws are out of date.
AB 467 conforms California's model rocket laws with federal
standards, ensuring the hobby continues to be a useful
learning platform for science, technology, engineering, and
math (STEM) education.
2)To Infinity?And Beyond! Existing law authorizes the State
Fire Marshal to issue licenses for the sale or use of
fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, but provides that licenses
are not required for the sale or use of model rocket engines.
This bill allows model rockets in California to be up to 1500
grams in gross weight (including the engine), use reloadable
rocket engines, and be constructed from stronger, lighter
materials, increasing performance.
The author contends the current laws put Californians at a
disadvantage in national rocket competitions, where higher
weights, reloadable engines, and advanced materials are
AB 467
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standard. For example, the most recent rules for the Team
America Rocketry Challenge (the world's largest student model
rocket contest) allows for a rocket up to 650 grams gross
weight at liftoff. A survey of competitors in that
competition revealed 85% of participants expressed positive
views about pursuing careers in a STEM field.
Analysis Prepared by:Joel Tashjian / APPR. / (916)
319-2081