HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2307
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to fireworks prohibitions adopted by cities or counties.
Brief Description: Concerning fireworks prohibitions adopted by cities or counties.
Sponsors: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Kilduff, Fey, Cody and Pollet.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 1/22/20, 1/24/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Pollet, Chair; Duerr, Vice Chair; Appleton and Senn.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Kraft, Ranking Minority Member; Goehner.
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:
Fireworks are legal in Washington. Cities and counties must comply with statewide minimum standards regarding fireworks, but are permitted to adopt ordinances that are more restrictive than minimum standards, including prohibitions on consumer fireworks. Ordinances that are more restrictive than state law, including prohibitions on consumer fireworks, do not take effect until one year after adoption.
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Summary of Bill:
An ordinance enacting a prohibition on consumer fireworks takes effect immediately. Old dates are removed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There are circumstances where cities have prohibited fireworks, but unincorporated areas of the county have not. Although these cities ban fireworks, the residents may still hear them go off in nearby unincorporated areas. The noise can be traumatic for veterans and pets. There is also a risk of fires and cases of housefires, injuries, and death as a result of fires caused by fireworks. Waiting a year for an ordinance to take effect would mean that fireworks could still be used this fourth of July.
(Opposed) The one-year delay on fireworks prohibitions has been in state law since 1961. Organizations that purchase fireworks buy stock far in advance, sometimes up to a year. Promotional companies often must book venues and secure leases on properties one to three years in advance. Cities or counties may choose to prohibit fireworks in May or June, a time by which many purchasers have acquired a majority of their firework stock. An immediate ban on fireworks would prevent these purchasers from using the fireworks already purchased. Organizations need the one-year wait period to be able to use the stock they purchased in advance, and to hold the events they planned in reliance on using fireworks. Selling fireworks can be a main source of funding for organizations and churches. Companies and organizations will not be able to plan in advance to use fireworks if a prohibition on fireworks could take effect immediately upon passing. Fireworks sellers spend a great amount of money planning and seeking permits. A fireworks ban that takes effect immediately will cause fireworks sellers to lose money already spent on fireworks and in preparation.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Fitzgibbon, prime sponsor.
(Opposed) Brian Trim, American Promotional Events Northwest, Inc.; Colton Wark, Jesus Name Penticostal Church; Iam Ruthorford, Three Rivers House of Prayer; Russ Tevis, Love Inc.; Cristian Orozco, Impact Ministries; Mark Chartier, Real American Pageants; and Brent Pavlicek, Western Fireworks Inc.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.