summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the sale, possession, and use of certain fireworks. This bill eliminates an exception to the law that prohibits the sale, possession, or use of fireworks. Under current law, certain non-exploding, non-aerial fireworks that are included in the definition of sparkling devices and novelties are authorized for possession by persons at least 16 years old. Sparkling devices and novelties refer to: sparklers, snakes, and glow worms; smoke devices; and trick. Sparkling devices and novelties refer to: wood sticks or wire sparklers, hand held or ground based sparkling devices which are non-explosive and non-aerial, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, which include party poppers, snappers, and drop pops. This bill eliminates the exception for sparkling devices and novelties from the ban on the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. Under the bill, the sale, possession, and use of fireworks is restricted to 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.
AI Summary
This bill eliminates the current exemption that allows people aged 16 and older to possess and use certain non-explosive, non-aerial fireworks known as "sparkling devices and novelties" (which previously included items like sparklers, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and party poppers). The bill expands the definition of "fireworks" to include all such devices, effectively banning their sale, possession, and use by the general public. Under the revised law, fireworks can only be sold to authorized purchasers with a valid permit specifically for public displays approved by a municipality. Violations of this law carry significant penalties: selling fireworks illegally is considered a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000, while unlawful purchase or possession of fireworks is a petty disorderly persons offense that can result in up to 30 days' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. The bill aims to enhance public safety by strictly controlling the distribution and use of fireworks, removing previous exceptions that allowed broader access to certain types of fireworks.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4177 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4177_I1.HTM |
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