ASSEMBLY LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 3034

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 12, 2017

      The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3034 (1R).

      Senate Bill No. 3034 (1R) allows the sale, possession, storage, and use of certain sparklers and other non-exploding, non-aerial fireworks by persons 16 years of age or older.

      Current law prohibits the sale, possession, or use of fireworks other than by an authorized purchaser with a valid permit to purchase fireworks for public display as approved by a municipality. A person who unlawfully sells fireworks is guilty of a fourth degree crime, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.  A person who unlawfully purchases, possesses, or uses fireworks is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by up to 30 days’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both.

      This bill authorizes the sale, possession, and use of sparkling devices and novelties by persons at least 16 years old.  Under the bill, sparkling devices and novelties refer to: sparklers, snakes, and glow worms; smoke devices; and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers, and drop pops.  In addition, the bill prohibits the regulation of these non-exploding, non-aerial fireworks by a local governing body.  The storage and sale of these items is to be consistent with the standards set forth in NFPA 1124 National Fire Protection Association Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 edition.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 3034 (1R) is identical to Assembly Bill No 4458, which was amended and also reported by the committee on this date.