(a) The commissioner by rule may provide for different expiration dates for the various types of licenses. (a) In addition to any other requirements, an applicant for a public display permit must submit to the state fire marshal evidence of a general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $500,000 unless the commissioner increases or decreases the amount under Section 2154.051. Firework Laws in Texas | What You Need to Know FREE CONSULTATION Use this form to request your free consultation to have your case reviewed with one of our attorneys. If the political subdivision has no fire marshal, the chief executive of the local fire protection district or emergency services district shall be the authority having jurisdiction. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter F, Sec. You must be 500 feet away from any church, school, hospital or asylum unless the building has a permit. (c) Evidence of the general liability insurance policy required by this section must be in the form of a certificate of insurance issued by an insurer authorized to do business in this state and countersigned by an insurance agent licensed in this state. (A) imports fireworks into this state; or, (i) a jobber, retailer, or other distributor for resale; or. Texas Occupations Code 2154.251. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a person may not employ a person 16 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age to sell fireworks at a retail sales location unless the person selling fireworks at that location is accompanied by another person who is at least 18 years of age. Specifically prohibited. (a) The commissioner: (1) shall administer this chapter through the state fire marshal; and. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. 539), Sec. Fireworks seized in the enforcement of this chapter shall be kept in the custody of the seizing agent or the sheriff of the county in which the fireworks were seized. These violations are Class C Misdemeanors, which can be punishable by a fine up to $500. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. Fireworks, whether sold or discharged are legal in unincorporated areas. Sept. 1, 1999. 2154.051. 1147, Sec. 5, eff. The fireworks sales building of an indoor retail fireworks site may not be: (2) part of a multiuse or multi-tenant building. Yet, country clubs keep getting away with it. (C) that is classified by the department in 49 C.F.R. (c) A person whose license has been expired for 90 days or less may renew the license by paying to the state fire marshal the required annual fee and an additional amount equal to one-half of the original license fee. She played the song a couple times, and on the last round, fireworks and smoke went off, capping off a wonderful night. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. endstream
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June 20, 2003. 7, eff. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. Fireworks Laws in Texas. Texas can NOT explode or ignite fireworks in these places: Within 600 feet of any church, hospital, an asylum or a school unless you have written authorization from that organization. 728 (H.B. 3907), Sec. The Fourth of July is only days away. (c) A person may not alter or deface a permit. Lifting an Emergency Protective Order Issued After a Domestic Violence Arrest. Its illegal to shoot fireworks within city limits and, in many cities, its also illegal to possess them. (d) The holder of a multiple public display permit is not required to obtain a single public display permit. Contact Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. (2) Fireworks 1.3G only to a licensed distributor or pyrotechnic operator, or to a fireworks public display permit holder for use in public fireworks displays in this state. 2154.253. June 24th through July 4th and December 20th through January 1st for the 4th of July and New Years Eve. 539), Sec. Possessing these types of fireworks is a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500. If you engage in any of these activities, you will have to know the laws regarding fireworks in Texas. (4) establish a procedure for reporting and processing complaints. INSURANCE REQUIREMENT. (f) An outdated permit may be exchanged for a current permit only in the year following the permit's expiration. Web(1) shall provide information relating to the proper and safe use of fireworks and the dangers of the improper use of fireworks; and (2) may include any method of communicating the need for safe use of fireworks and the dangers of improper use. 872, Sec. (d) A person shall be charged a nonrefundable initial examination fee in an amount not to exceed $30. According to Gray-Reed Attorneys at Law, most fireworks are legal, but there are some stipulations. %PDF-1.6
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For instance, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth ban the usage of fireworks; failure to comply with such laws can result in a fine of $2,000. Sept. 1, 1999. News 388, Sec. (2) by a local fire prevention officer authorized under Subsection (b) to inspect the site for a fire or life safety hazard and to assess and collect an inspection fee. Fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or move on the ground are prohibited. Texas can NOT explode or ignite fireworks in these places: Within 600 feet of any church, hospital, an asylum or a school unless you have written authorization from that organization. 2154.1025. Fireworks are legal in Texas, with a few exceptions. How Much Money Am I Going to Spend on My Lawsuit? MANUFACTURER'S LICENSE. Additionally, setting off these types of fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail. Prohibited Use of Fireworks (PDF) (a) A person may not: (1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the (b) The commissioner shall set and collect an annual distributor's license fee in an amount not to exceed $1,500. (2) other fireworks determined not acceptable by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2) the local fire prevention officer is: (A) a county fire marshal of the county in which the site is located; or. INSPECTION OF RETAIL FIREWORKS SITES. SPORTS, AMUSEMENTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT, SUBTITLE D. OTHER AMUSEMENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, CHAPTER 2154. How Do I Prepare for My First Legal Consultation? Section 173.59. September 1, 2005. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. The sales display area of an indoor retail fireworks site must be sufficiently designed to prevent customers from handling fireworks unless an attendant is directly assisting the customer. Expunction & Nondisclosure Sept. 1, 2003. Sept. 1, 1999. Selling, igniting or possessing fireworks within city limits can carry hefty fines approaching $2,000. Sec. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. Texas can NOT explode or ignite fireworks in these places: Within 600 feet of any church, hospital, an asylum or a school unless you have written authorization from that organization. 2, eff. 1, eff. EXEMPTIONS. 11.155, eff. (a) A person manufacturing, storing, possessing, and selling fireworks constructed by that person must have a manufacturer's license. (2) NFPA 1126, Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, 1996 Edition, as rules governing indoor displays. This includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, and M-80s. We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. 967 (S.B. (c) An appropriate fire prevention officer, as designated or approved by the state fire marshal, shall make a site investigation to determine whether a proposed fireworks display is of a nature or in a location that may be hazardous to property or dangerous to any person. Read on to learn more. This includes: Firecrackers, Roman candles, and. (a) The state fire marshal shall notify each examinee of the results of the examination not later than the 30th day after the date an examination is administered. Sec. SUBCHAPTER G. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS; PENALTIES. STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S AUTHORITY REGARDING EXAMINATIONS; RULES. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. (2) imports or stores, possesses, and sells Fireworks 1.4G to a licensed jobber, retailer, or distributor in this state. (2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person who is a peace officer under Article 2.12 , Code of Criminal Procedure, or a person who is a federal law enforcement officer, as defined by 5 U.S.C. (f) This section may be satisfied by a city, county, or other political subdivision presenting proof of its participation in a self-insurance fund or a fund created under Chapter 791, Government Code, covering the liability requirements under this chapter. Explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization; Sell at retail, explode, or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed; Explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold; Ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle; Place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle; Conduct a public fireworks display that includes Fireworks 1.3G unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic operator; Conduct a proximate display of fireworks that includes Fireworks 1.3G or Fireworks 1.4G as defined in NFPA 1126 Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic special effects operator and has the approval of the local fire prevention officer; or. The use of sparklers is allowed, but they must be used with caution. RULES RESTRICTING ADVERTISING OR COMPETITIVE BIDDING. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 2065), Sec. Fireworks Laws in Texas. (4) "NFPA Standard 160" means the edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Standard 160, "Standard for Flame Effects Before an Audience," as adopted and amended by the commissioner. 388, Sec. (2) supervise or conduct public fireworks displays. Looking for some tips on how to stay safe this Halloween? (b) The commissioner may not include in the rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices a rule that: (1) restricts the use of any advertising medium; (2) restricts the holder's personal appearance or the use of a holder's voice in an advertisement; (3) relates to the size or duration of an advertisement by the holder; or. 2.007, eff. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy fireworks in Texas! (a) The commissioner shall set and collect a permit fee in an amount not to exceed $50 for a Fireworks 1.3G single public display permit. Remember, if you have any questions, you can always consult your local fire marshal. (5) "Pyrotechnics" means an explosive composition or device designed for entertainment to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation as defined by NFPA Standard 1126. In this blog post, we'll discuss the various laws that apply to average consumers in the state of Texas. (a) The commissioner may not adopt rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by a license or permit holder under this chapter except to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices. 13.002, eff. She played the song a couple times, and on the last round, fireworks and smoke went off, capping off a wonderful night. The inspection fee may not exceed: (1) $100, if the largest building at the site is less than 25,000 square feet, plus $25 for each additional building, other than the largest building, located at the site; (2) $200, if the largest building at the site is 25,000 square feet or more, but less than 100,000 square feet, plus $25 for each additional building, other than the largest building, located at the site; and. 3907), Sec. 1, eff. 3, eff. Sec. 2154.151. 2018), Sec. (a) Unless the fireworks conform to the standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and the department, a person in this state may not: (2) offer the fireworks for retail sale; (3) possess the fireworks for retail sale in this state; or. (d) The authority having jurisdiction may adopt regulations governing the issuance of permits for the use of flame effects or pyrotechnics and may charge a fee to recover its costs. (a) A person must be a licensed pyrotechnic operator if the person assembles, conducts, and supervises public fireworks displays using Fireworks 1.3G. or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The Gonzalez Law Group: Your Legal Team For Life! SEIZURE OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS. Each county commissioners court can also permit firework sales for: Texas Independence Day (February 25th-March 2nd), Memorial Day (the Wednesday before Memorial Day through Memorial Day), Within 100 ft. of a place where flammable liquid and/or flammable gasses are sold or stored, Within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization. (a) If the state fire marshal proposes to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a person's license or permit, the person is entitled to a hearing conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Sec. A person selling fireworks at retail shall make a reasonable effort to determine that potential purchasers of fireworks are of the minimum age required by this subsection. (9) the use of a pyrotechnic device by a military organization. Sept. 1, 1999. (18) "Sale" means selling or offering for sale merchandise, equipment, or service, at wholesale or retail, to the public or to any person, for an agreed sum of money or other consideration. 2.008(16), eff. (a) A person must be a licensed flame effects operator if the person assembles, conducts, or supervises flame effects under Section 2154.253. 2154.303. (f) If the commissioner determines that a violation of this chapter creates a threat to the public safety, the commissioner may bring suit in the district court of the county in which the person who committed the offense resides or has an office to enjoin the person from engaging in the prohibited activity. 9, eff. The state of Texas has a very specific law when it comes to fireworks. WebThe use of fireworks are not only illegal in the City and parts of the County but they are also are very dangerous. HVn8}WU@49H[)Z m#>xc'6Std|Q3g1IzxD%)2)-~!0-T2
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=(L,$WO)E{/32}$tX$!uB6c#*i]a6Kcp}=MYi**ySr0dK Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. The fee varies depending on the type of license you obtain. The term does not include the use of Fireworks 1.4G by a retail consumer for private or personal amusement. Child Injuries (b) The commissioner shall set and collect an annual manufacturer's license fee in an amount not to exceed $1,000. Fort Worth Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney. 1179 (H.B. Fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or move on the ground are prohibited. Sec. Web(1) shall provide information relating to the proper and safe use of fireworks and the dangers of the improper use of fireworks; and (2) may include any method of communicating the need for safe use of fireworks and the dangers of improper use. Web(b) A person may not manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display without an appropriate license or permit. PUBLIC DISPLAY PERMIT. Independence Day is right around the corner. (2) "Flame effects" means a stationary or hand-held device of solid, liquid, or gas, designed specifically to produce an open flame when ignited to display a thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomenon as defined in NFPA Standard 160. 78701 Section 173.59. (c) To qualify for a pyrotechnic special effects operator's license, a person must take and pass an examination, if required, conducted by the commissioner through the state fire marshal's office. (a) The state fire marshal, a fire chief, a fire marshal, their deputies, or a peace officer may seize illegal fireworks. (d) A licensed manufacturer, distributor, jobber, or importer may not sell fireworks to a person who does not hold a license or permit. Call our firm today at (512) 400-3278 or fill out the online contact form to learn more about your legal options. Specifically prohibited. DEFINITIONS. INDOOR RETAIL FIREWORKS SITES. (13) "Person" means an individual or entity, including an owner, manager, officer, employee, or occupant. (f) This section does not prevent the state fire marshal from denying or refusing to renew a license for any reason provided by law or the rules of the commissioner. WebSpecifically permitted. The use of sparklers is allowed, but they must be used with caution. WebIts illegal to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. This includes: Firecrackers, Roman candles, and. (b) If the examination is conducted, graded, or reviewed by a testing service, the state fire marshal shall notify the examinee of the result of the examination not later than the 14th day after the date the state fire marshal receives the result from the testing service. Unless the reexamination is administered by a testing service, a person shall be charged a nonrefundable fee in an amount not to exceed $20 for each reexamination. Sec. (B) defined by 49 C.F.R. (f) This section may be satisfied by a city, county, or other political subdivision presenting proof of its participation in a self-insurance fund or other fund created under Chapter 791, Government Code, covering the liability requirements under this chapter. We hope this blog post has helped clear up any confusion you may have about firework laws in Texas. June 20, 2003. 1014, Sec. 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