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1     AN ACT concerning regulation.
 
2     Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:
 
4     Section 5. The Illinois Explosives Act is amended by
5 changing Section 2001 as follows:
 
6     (225 ILCS 210/2001)  (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 1-2001)
7     Sec. 2001. No person shall possess, use, purchase or
8 transfer explosive materials unless licensed by the Department
9 except as otherwise provided by this Act and the Pyrotechnic
10 Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.
11 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
12     Section 10. The Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act is
13 amended by changing Sections 1, 5, 10, 30, 35, 50, 65, 75, and
14 90 and adding Section 57 as follows:
 
15     (225 ILCS 227/1)
16     Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the
17 Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.
18 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
19     (225 ILCS 227/5)
20     Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act:
21     "1.3G fireworks" means fireworks that are used for
22 professional outdoor displays and classified as fireworks
23 UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the United States Department of
24 Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.
25     "BATFE" means the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
26 Firearms Enforcement.
27     "Consumer fireworks" means fireworks that must comply with
28 the construction, chemical composition, and labeling
29 regulations of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, as

 

 

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1 set forth in 16 C.F.R. Parts 1500 and 1507, and classified as
2 fireworks UN0336 or UN0337 by the United States Department of
3 Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101. "Consumer fireworks"
4 does not include a substance or article exempted under the
5 Fireworks Use Act.
6     "Display fireworks" means any substance or article defined
7 as a Division 1.3G or special effects fireworks 1.4 explosive
8 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 CFR
9 173.50, except a substance or article exempted under the
10 Fireworks Use Act.
11     "Facility" means an area being used for the conducting of a
12 pyrotechnic display business, but does not include residential
13 premises except for the portion of any residential premises
14 that is actually used in the conduct of a pyrotechnic display
15 business.
16     "Fireworks" has the meaning given to that term in the
17 Fireworks Use Act.
18     "Flame effect" means the detonation, ignition, or
19 deflagration of flammable gases, liquids, or special materials
20 to produce a thermal, physical, visual, or audible effect
21 before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of
22 whether admission is charged in accordance with NFPA 160.
23     "Lead pyrotechnic operator" means the individual with
24 overall responsibility for the safety, setup, discharge, and
25 supervision of a pyrotechnic display.
26     "Office" means Office of the State Fire Marshal.
27     "Person" means an individual, firm, corporation,
28 association, partnership, company, consortium, joint venture,
29 commercial entity, state, municipality, or political
30 subdivision of a state or any agency, department, or
31 instrumentality of the United States and any officer, agent, or
32 employee of these entities.
33     "Pyrotechnic display" or "display" means the detonation,
34 ignition, or deflagration of display fireworks or flame effects
35 to produce a visual or audible effect of an exhibitional nature
36 before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of

 

 

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1 whether admission is charged.
2     "Pyrotechnic distributor" means any person, company,
3 association, group of persons, or corporation who distributes
4 display fireworks for sale in the State of Illinois or provides
5 them as part of a pyrotechnic display service in the State of
6 Illinois or provides only pyrotechnic services.
7     "Special effects fireworks" means pyrotechnic devices used
8 for special effects by professionals in the performing arts in
9 conjunction with theatrical, musical, or other productions
10 that are similar to consumer fireworks in chemical compositions
11 and construction, but are not intended for consumer use and are
12 not labeled as such or identified as "intended for indoor use".
13 "Special effects fireworks" are classified as fireworks UN0431
14 or UN0432 by the United States Department of Transportation
15 under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.
16 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
17     (225 ILCS 227/10)
18     Sec. 10. License; enforcement. No person may act as a
19 pyrotechnic distributor or lead pyrotechnic operator, or
20 advertise or use any title implying that the person is a
21 pyrotechnic distributor or lead pyrotechnic operator, unless
22 licensed by the Office under this Act. An out-of-state person
23 hired for or engaged in a pyrotechnic display must have a
24 pyrotechnic distributor license issued by the Office. No
25 pyrotechnic display shall be conducted without a person
26 licensed under this Act as a lead pyrotechnic operator
27 supervising the display. The State Fire Marshal, in the name of
28 the People, through the Attorney General, the State's Attorney
29 of any county, any resident of the State, or any legal entity
30 within the State may apply for injunctive relief in any court
31 to enjoin any person who has not been issued a license or whose
32 license has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed, from
33 practicing a licensed activity. Upon filing a verified petition
34 in court, the court, if satisfied by affidavit, or otherwise,
35 that the person is or has been practicing in violation of this

 

 

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1 Act, may enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary
2 injunction, without bond, enjoining the defendant from further
3 unlicensed activity. A copy of the verified complaint shall be
4 served upon the defendant and the proceedings are to be
5 conducted as in other civil cases. The court may enter a
6 judgment permanently enjoining a defendant from further
7 unlicensed activity if it is established that the defendant has
8 been or is practicing in violation of this Act. In case of
9 violation of any injunctive order or judgment entered under
10 this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the
11 offender for contempt of court. Injunctive proceedings are in
12 addition to all penalties and other remedies in this Act.
13 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
14     (225 ILCS 227/30)
15     Sec. 30. Rules. The State Fire Marshal shall adopt all
16 rules necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this
17 Act including rules requiring the training, examination, and
18 licensing of pyrotechnic distributors and lead pyrotechnic
19 operators engaging in or responsible for the handling and use
20 of Division 1.3G (Class B) and 1.4 (Class C) explosives. The
21 test shall incorporate the rules of the State Fire Marshal,
22 which shall be based upon nationally recognized standards such
23 as those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
24 1123 guidelines for outdoor displays, and NFPA 1126 for
25 proximate audience indoor displays, and NFPA 160 for flame
26 effect displays. The State Fire Marshal shall conduct the
27 training and examination of pyrotechnic operators and
28 pyrotechnic distributors or may delegate the responsibility to
29 train and examine pyrotechnic distributors and operators to the
30 Department of Natural Resources. The Fire Marshal shall adopt
31 rules as required for the licensing of a lead pyrotechnic
32 operator involved in an outdoor or indoor pyrotechnic display.
33 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
34     (225 ILCS 227/35)

 

 

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1     Sec. 35. Licensure requirements and fees.
2     (a) Each application for a license to practice under this
3 Act shall be in writing and signed by the applicant on forms
4 provided by the Office. The Office shall have the testing
5 procedures for licensing as a lead pyrotechnic operator
6 developed by October 1, 2004.
7     (b) After January 1, 2006 April 1, 2005, all pyrotechnic
8 displays, both indoor and outdoor, must comply with the
9 requirements set forth in this Act.
10     (c) After January 1, 2006 April 1, 2005, no person
11 individual may engage in pyrotechnic distribution without
12 first applying for and obtaining a license from the Office.
13 Applicants for a license must submit to the Office the
14 following:
15         (1) A current BATFE license for distribution of display
16     fireworks.
17         (2) Proof of $1,000,000 in product liability
18     insurance.
19         (3) Proof of $1,000,000 in general liability
20     insurance.
21         (4) Proof of Illinois Worker's Compensation Insurance.
22         (5) A license fee set by the Office.
23         (6) Proof of a current United States Department of
24     Transportation (DOT) Identification Number.
25         (7) Proof of a current USDOT Hazardous Materials
26     Registration Number.
27         (8) Proof of having the requisite knowledge, either
28     through training, examination, or continuing education, as
29     established by Office rule.
30     (c-5) After January 1, 2006, no individual may act as a
31 lead operator in a pyrotechnic display without first applying
32 for and obtaining a lead pyrotechnic operator's license from
33 the Office. The Office shall establish separate licenses for
34 lead pyrotechnic operators for indoor and outdoor pyrotechnic
35 displays. Applicants for a license must:
36         (1) Pay the fees set by the Office.

 

 

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1         (2) Have the requisite training or continuing
2     education as established in the Office's rules.
3         (3) (Blank) Pass the examination presented by the
4     Office.
5     (d) A person is qualified to receive a license under this
6 Act if the person meets all of the following minimum
7 requirements:
8         (1) Is at least 21 years of age.
9         (2) Has not willfully violated any provisions of this
10     Act.
11         (3) Has not made any material misstatement or knowingly
12     withheld information in connection with any original or
13     renewal application.
14         (4) Has not been declared incompetent by any competent
15     court by reasons of mental or physical defect or disease
16     unless a court has since declared the person competent.
17         (5) Does not have an addiction to or dependency on
18     alcohol or drugs that is likely to endanger the public at a
19     pyrotechnic display.
20         (6) Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of any
21     felony within the prior 5 years.
22         (7) Is not a fugitive from justice.
23         (8) Has, or has applied for, a BATFE explosives license
24     or a Letter of Clearance from the BATFE.
25     (e) A person is qualified to assist a lead operator if the
26 person meets all of the following minimum requirements:
27         (1) Is at least 18 years of age.
28         (2) Has not willfully violated any provision of this
29     Act.
30         (3) Has not been declared incompetent by any competent
31     court by reasons of mental or physical defect or disease
32     unless a court has since declared the person competent.
33         (4) Does not have an addiction to or dependency on
34     alcohol or drugs that is likely to endanger the public at a
35     pyrotechnic display.
36         (5) Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of any

 

 

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1     felony within the prior 5 years.
2         (6) Is not a fugitive from justice.
3 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
4     (225 ILCS 227/50)
5     Sec. 50. Issuance of license; renewal; fees nonrefundable.
6     (a) The Office, upon the applicant's satisfactory
7 completion of the requirements imposed under this Act and upon
8 receipt of the requisite fees, shall issue the appropriate
9 license showing the name, address, and photograph of the
10 licensee and the dates of issuance and expiration. The license
11 shall include the name of the pyrotechnic distributor employing
12 the lead pyrotechnic operator. A lead pyrotechnic operator is
13 required to have a separate license for each pyrotechnic
14 distributor who employs the lead pyrotechnic operator.
15     (b) Each licensee may apply for renewal of his or her
16 license upon payment of the applicable fees. The expiration
17 date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act
18 shall be set by rule. Failure to renew within 60 days of the
19 expiration date results in lapse of the license. A lapsed
20 license may not be reinstated until a written application is
21 filed, the renewal fee is paid, and the reinstatement fee
22 established by the Office is paid. Renewal and reinstatement
23 fees shall be waived for persons who did not renew while on
24 active duty in the military and who file for renewal or
25 restoration within one year after discharge from the service. A
26 lapsed license may not be reinstated after 5 years have elapsed
27 except upon passing an examination to determine fitness to have
28 the license restored and by paying the required fees.
29     (c) All fees paid under this Act are nonrefundable.
30 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
31     (225 ILCS 227/57 new)
32     Sec. 57. Training; additional lead pyrotechnic operators.
33 No pyrotechnic distributor shall allow any person in the
34 pyrotechnic distributor's employ to act as a lead pyrotechnic

 

 

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1 operator until the person has obtained a lead pyrotechnic
2 operator's license from the Office. Nothing in this Section
3 shall prevent an assistant from acting as a lead pyrotechnic
4 operator under the direct supervision of a licensed lead
5 pyrotechnic operator for training purposes.
 
6     (225 ILCS 227/65)
7     Sec. 65. Grounds for discipline. Licensees subject to this
8 Act shall conduct their practice in accordance with this Act
9 and the rules promulgated under this Act. A licensee is subject
10 to disciplinary sanctions enumerated in this Act if the State
11 Fire Marshal finds that the licensee is guilty of any of the
12 following:
13         (1) Fraud or material deception in obtaining or
14     renewing a license.
15         (2) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or
16     unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive,
17     defraud, or harm the public in the course of professional
18     services or activities.
19         (3) Conviction of any crime that has a substantial
20     relationship to his or her practice or an essential element
21     of which is misstatement, fraud, dishonesty, or conviction
22     in this or another state of any crime that is a felony
23     under the laws of Illinois or conviction of a felony in a
24     federal court, unless the licensee demonstrates that he or
25     she has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the
26     public trust.
27         (4) Performing any service in a grossly negligent
28     manner or permitting any lead pyrotechnic operator or
29     assistant licensed employee to perform a service in a
30     grossly negligent manner, regardless of whether actual
31     damage or damage to the public is established.
32         (5) Addiction to or dependency on alcohol or drugs or
33     use of alcohol or drugs that is likely to endanger the
34     public at a pyrotechnic display.
35         (6) Willfully receiving direct or indirect

 

 

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1     compensation for any professional service not actually
2     rendered.
3         (7) Having disciplinary action taken against his or her
4     license in another state.
5         (8) Making differential treatment against any person
6     to his or her detriment because of race, color, creed, sex,
7     religion, or national origin.
8         (9) Engaging in unprofessional conduct.
9         (10) Engaging in false or misleading advertising.
10         (11) Contracting or assisting an unlicensed person to
11     perform services for which a license is required under this
12     Act.
13         (12) Permitting the use of his or her license to enable
14     an unlicensed person or agency to operate as a licensee.
15         (13) Performing and charging for a service without
16     having the authorization to do so from the member of the
17     public being served.
18         (14) Failure to comply with any provision of this Act
19     or the rules promulgated under this Act.
20         (15) Conducting business regulated by this Act without
21     a currently valid license in those circumstances where a
22     license is required.
23 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
24     (225 ILCS 227/75)
25     Sec. 75. Formal charges; hearing.
26     (a) The Office may file formal charges against a licensee.
27 The formal charges, at a minimum, shall inform the licensee of
28 the specific facts that are the basis of the charge to enable
29 the licensee to defend himself or herself.
30     (b) Each licensee whose conduct is the subject of a formal
31 charge that seeks to impose disciplinary action against the
32 licensee shall be served notice of the formal charge at least
33 30 days before the date of the hearing. The hearing shall be
34 presided over by the Office or a hearing officer authorized by
35 the Office in compliance with the Illinois Administrative

 

 

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1 Procedure Act. Service shall be considered to have been given
2 if the notice was personally received by the licensee or if the
3 notice was mailed certified, return requested, to the licensee
4 at the licensee's last known address as listed with the Office.
5     (c) The notice of a formal charge shall consist, at a
6 minimum, of the following information:
7         (1) The time and date of the hearing.
8         (2) A statement that the licensee may appear personally
9     at the hearing and may be represented by counsel.
10         (3) A statement that the licensee has the right to
11     produce witnesses and evidence in his or her behalf and the
12     right to cross-examine witnesses and evidence produced
13     against him or her.
14         (4) A statement that the hearing can result in
15     disciplinary action being taken against the his or her
16     license.
17         (5) A statement that rules for the conduct of these
18     hearings exist and that it may be in the licensee's his or
19     her best interest to obtain a copy.
20         (6) A statement that the hearing officer authorized by
21     the Office shall preside at the hearing and, following the
22     conclusion of the hearing, make findings of fact,
23     conclusions of law, and recommendations, separately
24     stated, to the Office as to what disciplinary action, if
25     any, should be imposed on the licensee.
26         (7) A statement that the Office may continue the
27     hearing.
28     (d) The Office or the hearing officer authorized by the
29 Office shall hear evidence produced in support of the formal
30 charges and contrary evidence produced by the licensee, if any.
31 If the hearing is conducted by a hearing officer, at the
32 conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall make
33 findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations,
34 separately stated, and submit them to the Office and to all
35 parties to the proceeding. Submission to the licensee shall be
36 considered as having been made if done in a similar fashion as

 

 

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1 service of the notice of formal charges. Within 20 days after
2 the service, any party to the proceeding may present to the
3 Office a motion, in writing, for a rehearing. The written
4 motion shall specify the particular grounds for the rehearing.
5     (e) The Office, following the time allowed for filing a
6 motion for rehearing, shall review the hearing officer's
7 findings of fact, conclusions of law, recommendations, and any
8 motions filed subsequent to the hearing. After review of the
9 information the Office may hear oral arguments and thereafter
10 issue an order. The report of findings of fact, conclusions of
11 law, and recommendations of the hearing officer shall be the
12 basis for the Office's order. If the Office finds that
13 substantial justice was not done, it may issue an order in
14 contravention of the hearing officer's findings.
15     (f) All proceedings under this Section are matters of
16 public record and a record of the proceedings shall be
17 preserved.
18 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
19     (225 ILCS 227/90)
20     Sec. 90. Penalties. Any natural person who violates any of
21 the following provisions is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for
22 the first offense and a corporation or other entity that
23 violates any of the following provision commits a business
24 offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $5,000; a second or
25 subsequent offense in violation of any Section of this Act,
26 including this Section, is a Class 4 felony if committed by a
27 natural person, or a business offense punishable by a fine of
28 up to $10,000 if committed by a corporation or other business
29 entity:
30         (1) Practicing or attempting to practice as a
31     pyrotechnic distributor or lead pyrotechnic operator
32     without a license;
33         (2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license,
34     practice or business, or any other thing of value by
35     fraudulent representation;

 

 

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1         (3) Permitting, directing, or authorizing any person
2     in one's employ or under one's direction or supervision to
3     work or serve as a licensee if that individual does not
4     possess an appropriate valid license.
5     Whenever any person is punished as a repeat offender under
6 this Section, the Office may proceed to obtain a permanent
7 injunction against the person under Section 10. If any person
8 in making any oath or affidavit required by this Act swears
9 falsely, the person is guilty of perjury and upon conviction
10 may be punished accordingly.
11 (Source: P.A. 93-263, eff. 7-22-03.)
 
12     Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
13 becoming law.