Brief Description: Concerning the effective date of local fireworks ordinances.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Santos, Cox, Chase, Condotta and Lovick.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Susan Kavanaugh (786-7106).

Background:

Under Washington law, fireworks for use by individual consumers may be sold and used around the Independence Day holiday from June 28 through July 5. They may also be sold from December 27 through December 31, but discharged only on New Year's Eve night.

Counties and cities may enact ordinances that are more stringent than Washington law in two areas only; they may:

•    ban fireworks entirely; or

•    further restrict the days fireworks can be sold or used.

Local governments fireworks regulations more restrictive than Washington laws may go into effect no sooner than one year after adoption.

City or county governments in 25 Washington counties either restrict or ban consumer fireworks.

Summary of Bill:

The period before a fireworks ordinance, more restrictive than state law, adopted by a county or city, may go into effect is reduced from one year to six months.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.