BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 467
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB
467 (Chang)
As Amended June 3, 2015
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |78-0 |(April 23, |SENATE: |37-0 |(June 25, 2015) |
| | |2015) | | | |
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Original Committee Reference: G.O.
SUMMARY: Conforms California law to federal law by increasing
the maximum legal weight of a "model rocket" from 500 to 1,500
grams. Specifically this bill:
1)Adds to the definition of "model rocket" a requirement that it
conforms to the definition of "model rocket" as used in the
2013 edition of the National Fire Prevention Association
(NFPA) "NFPA 1122: Code for model Rocketry," or a more recent
edition as adopted by the State Fire Marshal (SMF), and would
increase the maximum weight of a model rocket to not more than
1,500 grams.
2)Revises the definition of "model rocket motor" as used in the
2012 edition of the "NFPA 1125: Code for the Manufacture of
Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors, " or a more recent
edition as adopted by the SFM.
AB 467
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3)Changes all reference in statute to model rocket engines to
instead refer to model rocket motors.
The Senate amendments:
1)Change all references in statute to model rocket engines to
instead refer to model rocket motors.
2)Make technical changes.
EXISTING LAW:
1)Authorizes the SFM to issue and renew licenses of 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 the 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
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.
AB 467
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6)Defines a "model rocket" as a toy or educational device that
weighs not more than 500 grams, including the engine and
payload that is propelled by a model rocket engine.
7)Defines a "model rocket engine" as a commercially
manufactured, nonreusable rocket propulsion device that is
constructed of nonmetallic casing and solid propellant, as
provided.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY, this bill as amended in the Senate is
consistent with Assembly actions. This bill increased 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 NFPA standards.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS:
Purposes of the bill: According to the author, current law
imposes handling restrictions based on standard rocket
technology uses at the time California law was enacted in the
1970s. Unfortunately, these provisions limit the use of
reloadable motors, which have been used for over two decades.
The author further argues that all these restrictions put
limitations on the learning experience of California youth who
use model rockets and put California students who participate in
national model rocket competitions at a severe disadvantage
since they have constraints on their rockets that do not apply
to students in other states.
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The author concludes that as the home of an important aerospace
industry, California's laws should be encouraging this important
hobby.
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). The NFPA was
established in 1896 to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and
other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating
consensus codes and standards, research, training, and
education. The NFPA develops and publishes more than 300
consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the
possibility and effects of fire and other risks.
Some of these publications establish requirements for safety in
the manufacture of model and high power rocket motors, and
ensures reliability of rocket motors and motor-reloading kits
and their components. NFPA's manufacturing operations rules for
rocket motors and composite propellant rocket motors cover
everything from permits, recordkeeping, and site security to
process building construction, means of egress, and fire and
explosion prevention. Additional topics include storage of low
explosives, requirements for rocket motors and components, and
testing and certification.
NFPA regulations are the standard regulations used for most
states and for federal law regarding model rocket and model
rocket motors.
In support: According to the Mavericks Civilian Space
Foundation, "Current California law governing model rockets is
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 an important learning experience with science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) fundamentals."
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The National Association of Rocketry states that "federal law,
most states, and the National Fire Protection Association define
a model rocket as an amateur or toy rocket that weighs no more
than 1500 grams. California law limits rockets to only 500
grams and applies restrictions to the composition of the rocket,
including a ban on any metallic materials. However, model
rockets have been universally defined as 1500 grams for years
and often include lightweight aluminum materials. As
California, especially the southern California area, is the home
of a large and important Aerospace industry, California's laws
should be encouraging this important hobby and AB 467 will do
just that."
In opposition: None
Related Legislation: SB 677 (Mendoza) of 2015, authorizes,
beginning January 1, 2017, the sale of safe and sane fireworks
during the week preceding New Year's Day and makes numerous
changes to the state laws governing fireworks sales and
disposals. (Failed passage in the Senate Governmental
Organization Committee)
Analysis Prepared by:
Eric Johnson / G.O. / (916) 319-2531 FN:
0001088