SRC-JEC, MSY S.B. 1563 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1563 By: Madla Intergovernmental Relations 4/11/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Under current Texas law, a county commissioners court may prohibit the use of certain "aerial fireworks" when a drought condition exists in all or part of a county. However, some believe that certain aerial fireworks such as "stick rockets" and missiles with fins or rudders have uncontrollable flight patterns and constitute a threat in any conditions. As proposed, S.B. 1563 adds such aerial fireworks to the list of non-permissible fireworks, and raises the minimum age for purchasing fireworks from 12 to 16 years of age. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2154.003(b), Occupations Code, by redesignating existing Subdivision (2) as Subdivision (3) and adding a new Subdivision (2), as follows: (2) Provides that certain "aerial fireworks" classified as "skyrockets with sticks" and certain other pyrotechnic devices are not permissible fireworks. SECTION 2. Amends Section 2154.252(c), Occupations Code, by increasing the minimum age for purchasing fireworks from 12 to 16 years of age. SECTION 3. Effective date: January 1, 2004.