BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SCR 71
Page 1
Date of Hearing: July 13, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Das Williams, Chair
SCR
71 (Gaines) - As Amended July 2, 2015
SENATE VOTE: 36-0
SUBJECT: Fireworks Safety Month.
SUMMARY: Designates June 21, 2015 through July 21, 2015 as
Fireworks Safety Month and encourages the Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and local fire protection
agencies to educate the public about the risks of improperly
using fireworks, including fireworks that have been approved as
safe and sane.
EXISTING LAW:
1)Establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal in CAL FIRE.
Requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to be
administered by the State Fire Marshal, is a Chief Deputy
Director of CAL FIRE.
2)Requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations for the
use, licensing, and classification of fireworks as may be
necessary for the protection of life and property.
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3)Requires The Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop a
model ordinance that permits local jurisdictions to adopt a
streamlined enforcement and administrative fine procedures
related to the possession of 25 pounds or less of dangerous
fireworks.
4)Prohibits the use or possession of fireworks within any area
designated as a hazardous fire area.
5)Prohibits the sale, offer for sale, use, discharge,
possession, storage, or transportation of any type of
fireworks within this state unless the State Fire Marshal has
classified and registered the fireworks.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
1)Author's statement:
Improper use of fireworks can lead to harm, both to an
individual and wildlife. In 2013, an estimated 11,400
fireworks-related injuries were treated in hospitals
around the US, 65% of which occurred between June 21
and July 21. This year, CAL FIRE has already responded
to 1,122 wildfires between January and May, burning
nearly 4,206 acres. In the wake of the severe drought
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California is currently facing, we need fireworks
safety more than ever. This can prevent both personal
injury and widespread damage.
2)Fireworks. Serious injuries and millions of dollars in
property loss happen each year from wildfires sparked by
fireworks. This year's extreme drought poses a particular
threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of
California. In California it is illegal to sell,
transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the "Safe
and Sane" seal, as well as possess or use any fireworks
in a community where they are not permitted. There are
nearly 300 communities within California that allow "Safe
and Sane" fireworks. However, even "Safe and Sane"
fireworks pose risks when misused. SCR 71 encourages CAL
FIRE and local fire protection agencies to educate the
public about the risks of fireworks.
3)Technical amendments. One of the findings in the
resolutions contains errors in the numbers cited. The
author and committee may wish to consider amending the
bill to correct those errors.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
SCR 71
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Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by:Michael Jarred / NAT. RES. / (916)
319-2092