Subcommittee clears bill to allow tents at temporary fireworks sales

The Professional and Occupational Licensing Subcommittee of the Committee on Regulated Industries voted to advance HB101095, a bill that removes a prohibition on tents and canopies at temporary fireworks retail locations and clarifies related definitions.

Chairman Powell, who introduced the bill, said the substitute (LC640044S) strikes the word “temporary” in several places to allow tents to serve as an approved temporary location. He said the bill retains fire‑safety controls, including a provision that sales locations be within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant unless a local fire marshal approves an alternate placement. “This is quite frankly just allowing for tents for temporary locations,” Powell said.

Industry representatives testified in favor. Eric Clawson of Jake’s Fireworks, testifying remotely, said tent sales are “probably the most common method of selling fireworks across the United States,” that local fire marshals are typically familiar with tent operations, and that allowing tents could expand business opportunities and generate additional state tax revenue.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about fees and whether the deletion of the word “temporary” would change permit or fee obligations; the sponsor said it would not. After brief discussion, Chairman McDonald moved that HB101095 do pass; a second was recorded, and the subcommittee approved the motion by voice vote. The chair announced the bill will move to the full committee with a do‑pass recommendation.

The subcommittee record shows the bill would allow up to 10 locations under the proposed language and treat not‑for‑profit fundraiser sales under the same provisions. Local permitting and fire marshal approval remain a condition of any temporary sales location.

The measure now goes to the full Committee on Regulated Industries for further consideration.