HB0711eng 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB0711 Engrossed LRB097 03539 CEL 43576 b

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act is amended by changing Sections 5, 10, 35, 50, 57, 90, and 95 and by adding Section 12 as follows:

(225 ILCS 227/5)

Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act:

"1.3G fireworks" means fireworks that are used for professional outdoor displays and classified as fireworks UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.

"Assistant" means an individual supervised by a lead pyrotechnic operator, who assists with the safety, setup, discharge, and removal of a pyrotechnic display.

"BATFE" means the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Consumer fireworks" means fireworks that must comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, as set forth in 16 C.F.R. Parts 1500 and 1507, and classified as fireworks UN0336 or UN0337 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101. "Consumer fireworks" does not include a substance or article exempted under the Pyrotechnic Use Act.

"Cover licensor" means any pyrotechnic distributor, licensed under subsection (c) of Section 35 of this Act, or production company, licensed under subsection (c-3) of Section 35 of this Act, under whose pyrotechnic license a touring pyrotechnic company and its touring lead pyrotechnic operators and touring technicians provide pyrotechnic displays or pyrotechnic services, or both, in the State.

"Cover licensor representative" means a licensed lead pyrotechnic operator, either employed by the cover licensor or insured as an additional named insured on the cover licensor's general liability and product liability insurance, as applicable, who is responsible for supervising the safety and regulatory compliance of the touring lead pyrotechnic operators and touring technicians during a pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service.

"Display fireworks" means 1.3G explosive or special effects fireworks.

"Event employee" means an individual who works under the supervision of the lead pyrotechnic operator and who assists with the safety, setup, and removal of a pyrotechnic display, but does not handle live pyrotechnic materials or charged flame equipment.

"Facility" means an area being used for the conducting of a pyrotechnic display business, but does not include residential premises except for the portion of any residential premises that is actually used in the conduct of a pyrotechnic display business.

"Flame effect" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of flammable gases, liquids, or special materials to produce a thermal, physical, visual, or audible effect before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of whether admission is charged in accordance with NFPA 160.

"Lead pyrotechnic operator" means the individual with overall responsibility for the safety, setup, discharge, and supervision of a pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service.

"Office" means Office of the State Fire Marshal.

"Person" means an individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, company, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state or any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States and any officer, agent, or employee of these entities.

"Production company" means any person in the film, digital and video media, television, commercial, music, or and theatrical stage industry who provides pyrotechnic services or pyrotechnic display services as part of a film, digital and video media, television, commercial, music, or theatrical production in the State of Illinois.

"Pyrotechnic display" or "display" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of display fireworks or flame effects to produce a visual or audible effect of an exhibitional nature before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of whether admission is charged.

"Pyrotechnic distributor" means any person who distributes display fireworks for sale in the State of Illinois or provides them as part of a pyrotechnic display service in the State of Illinois or provides only pyrotechnic services.

"Pyrotechnic service" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of display fireworks, special effects, or flame effects to produce a visual or audible effect.

"Special effects fireworks" means pyrotechnic devices used for special effects by professionals in the performing arts in conjunction with theatrical, musical, or other productions that are similar to consumer fireworks in chemical compositions and construction, but are not intended for consumer use and are not labeled as such or identified as "intended for indoor use". "Special effects fireworks" are classified as fireworks UN0431 or UN0432 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.

"Touring lead pyrotechnic operator" means an individual employed by a touring pyrotechnic company who has overall responsibility for the safety, setup, discharge, and supervision of a pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service.

"Touring pyrotechnic company" means any person that performs pyrotechnic services or pyrotechnic displays in the State who lacks a license under subsections (c) or (c-3) of Section 35 of this Act.

"Touring technician" means an individual employed by a touring pyrotechnic company who is at least 18 years of age, who is covered by his or her employer's workers' compensation, product liability, and general liability policies under Section 35 of this Act and who, under the supervision of the touring lead pyrotechnic operator, assists with the safety, setup, discharge, and removal of a pyrotechnical display.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/10)

Sec. 10. License; enforcement. No person may act as a pyrotechnic distributor, production company, or lead pyrotechnic operator, or advertise or use any title implying that the person is a pyrotechnic distributor, production company, or lead pyrotechnic operator, unless licensed by the Office under this Act. An out-of-state person hired for or engaged in pyrotechnic services or a pyrotechnic display must be employed by a licensed pyrotechnic distributor or licensed production company and hold a lead pyrotechnic operator license issued by the Office. No pyrotechnic services or pyrotechnic display shall be conducted without a person licensed under this Act as a lead pyrotechnic operator supervising the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service. The State Fire Marshal, in the name of the People, through the Attorney General, the State's Attorney of any county, any resident of the State, or any legal entity within the State may apply for injunctive relief in any court to enjoin any person who has not been issued a license or whose license has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed, from practicing a licensed activity. Upon filing a verified petition in court, the court, if satisfied by affidavit, or otherwise, that the person is or has been practicing in violation of this Act, may enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, without bond, enjoining the defendant from further unlicensed activity. A copy of the verified complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings are to be conducted as in other civil cases. The court may enter a judgment permanently enjoining a defendant from further unlicensed activity if it is established that the defendant has been or is practicing in violation of this Act. In case of violation of any injunctive order or judgment entered under this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Injunctive proceedings are in addition to all penalties and other remedies in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/12 new)

Sec. 12. Cover license.

(a) Prior to engaging in the setup, discharge, and supervision of a pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service in the State, all touring pyrotechnic companies shall associate themselves with a cover licensor in accordance with this Section. Such association shall be at the discretion of the cover licensor, and a touring pyrotechnic company shall not setup or discharge a pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service in the State without such association.

(b) Prior to associating itself with a cover licensor in accordance with this Section, the touring pyrotechnic company shall send the cover licensor the following pre-permitting information a minimum of 20 business days before the event:

(1) a pyrotechnic plan for the event that meets the specifications of the most current edition of NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, Sections 6.2 and 6.3 or NFPA 160, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience, Section 5.3, or both;

(2) a Certificate of Insurance showing proof of not less than $1,000,000 in product liability insurance and $1,000,000 in general liability insurance that both covers the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service provided and naming the cover licensor as an additional insured; the product and general liability insurance coverage shall be an occurrence-based policy, or its equivalent, and it shall cover all periods of time during which pyrotechnical materials, including flame effect materials, are in the insured's actual or constructive possession, including those times when the materials are being stored, transported, handled, used, discharged, and displayed; and

(3) proof of Illinois workers' compensation insurance held by the touring pyrotechnic company for all periods of time during which the touring pyrotechnic company employees are engaged in employment-related activities in the State.

(c) After confirming the sufficiency of the touring pyrotechnic company's pre-permitting information and agreeing to associate itself with the touring pyrotechnic company, the cover licensor shall be obligated to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any authority having jurisdiction over the venue or location of the State-based pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service with the following information a minimum of 15 days before the event:

(1) a pyrotechnic plan for the event that meets the specifications of the most current edition of NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, Sections 6.2 and 6.3 or NFPA 160, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience, Section 5.3, or both;

(2) the cover licensor's own Certificate of Insurance showing proof of the necessary insurance coverage as provided in Section 35 of this Act that covers the pyrotechnic service or pyrotechnic display provided and names the touring pyrotechnic company as an additional insured and proof of Illinois workers' compensation insurance;

(3) the touring pyrotechnic company's Certificate of Insurance showing proof of not less than $1,000,000 in product liability insurance and $1,000,000 in general liability insurance that covers the pyrotechnic service or pyrotechnic display, provided that each of which names the cover licensor as an additional insured;

(4) the touring pyrotechnic company's proof of Illinois workers' compensation insurance for all periods of time during which the touring pyrotechnic company employees are engaged in employment-related activities in the State; and

(5) the touring pyrotechnic company's contact information.

(d) Questions or concerns raised by either the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the authority having jurisdiction regarding the information submitted by the touring pyrotechnic company shall be directed to, and resolved by, the touring pyrotechnic company prior to the event.

(e) The cover licensor representative shall be present during, and shall personally supervise, all phases of the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service subject to the cover license. The cover licensor representative shall personally supervise all touring lead pyrotechnic operators, touring technicians, assistants, and event employees.

(f) Representatives of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the authority having jurisdiction, and the cover licensor representative each possess the authority to halt any pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service governed by the cover license should questions arise about failures to follow industry standards and safety guidelines, including the most current edition of NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience, and NFPA 160, Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience. Pyrotechnic displays and pyrotechnic services halted due to safety concerns shall resume only with the express written approval of both the cover licensor representative and the authority having jurisdiction.

(225 ILCS 227/35)

Sec. 35. Licensure requirements and fees.

(a) Each application for a license to practice under this Act shall be in writing and signed by the applicant on forms provided by the Office.

(b) After January 1, 2006, all pyrotechnic displays and pyrotechnic services, both indoor and outdoor, must comply with the requirements set forth in this Act.

(c) After January 1, 2006, no person may engage in pyrotechnic distribution without first applying for and obtaining a license from the Office. Applicants for a license must submit to the Office the following:

(1) A current BATFE license for the type of pyrotechnic service or pyrotechnic display service provided.

(2) Proof of $1,000,000 in product liability insurance.

(3) Proof of $1,000,000 in general liability insurance that covers the pyrotechnic display service or pyrotechnic service provided.

(4) Proof of Illinois Workers' Compensation Insurance.

(5) A license fee set by the Office.

(6) Proof of a current United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Identification Number.

(7) Proof of a current USDOT Hazardous Materials Registration Number.

(8) Proof of having the requisite knowledge, either through training, examination, or continuing education, as established by Office rule.

(c-3) After January 1, 2010, no production company may provide pyrotechnic displays display services or pyrotechnic services as part of any production without either (i) obtaining a production company license from the Office under which all pyrotechnic displays display services and pyrotechnic services are performed by a licensed lead pyrotechnic operator or (ii) hiring a pyrotechnic distributor licensed in accordance with this Act to perform the pyrotechnic displays display services or pyrotechnic services. Applicants for a production company license must submit to the Office the following:

(1) Proof of $2,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance that covers any damage or injury resulting from the pyrotechnic displays display services or pyrotechnic services provided.

(2) Proof of Illinois Worker's Compensation insurance.

(3) A license fee set by the Office.

(4) Proof of a current USDOT Identification Number, unless: proof of such is provided by the employed lead pyrotechnic operator.

(A) proof of such is provided by the lead pyrotechnic operator employed by the production company or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; or

(B) the production company certifies under penalty of perjury that it engages only in flame effects or never transports materials in quantities that require registration with USDOT, or both.

(5) Proof of a current USDOT Hazardous Materials Registration Number, unless: proof of such is provided by the employed lead pyrotechnic operator.

(A) proof of such is provided by the lead pyrotechnic operator employed by the production company or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; or

(B) the production company certifies under penalty of perjury that it engages only in flame effects or never transports materials in quantities that require registration with USDOT, or both.

(6) Identification of the licensed lead pyrotechnic operator being employed by the production company or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

The insurer shall not cancel the insured's coverage or remove any additional named insured or an additional insured from the policy coverage without notifying the Office in writing at least 15 days before cancellation.

(c-5) After January 1, 2006, no individual may act as a lead operator in a pyrotechnic display without first applying for and obtaining a lead pyrotechnic operator's license from the Office. The Office shall establish separate licenses for lead pyrotechnic operators for indoor and outdoor pyrotechnic displays. Applicants for a license must:

(1) Pay the fees set by the Office.

(2) Have the requisite training or continuing education as established in the Office's rules.

(3) (Blank).

(d) A person is qualified to receive a license under this Act if the person meets all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Is at least 21 years of age.

(2) Has not willfully violated any provisions of this Act.

(3) Has not made any material misstatement or knowingly withheld information in connection with any original or renewal application.

(4) Has not been declared incompetent by any competent court by reasons of mental or physical defect or disease unless a court has since declared the person competent.

(5) Does not have an addiction to or dependency on alcohol or drugs that is likely to endanger the public at a pyrotechnic display.

(6) Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of any felony within the prior 5 years.

(7) Is not a fugitive from justice.

(8) Has, or has applied for, a BATFE explosives license or a Letter of Clearance from the BATFE.

(9) If a lead pyrotechnic operator is employed by a political subdivision of the State or by a licensed production company, or is insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of this Section, he or she shall have a BATFE license for the pyrotechnic services or pyrotechnic display services provided.

(10) If a production company has not provided proof of a current USDOT Identification Number and a current USDOT Hazardous Materials Registration Number, as required by paragraphs (5) and (6) of subsection (c-3) of this Section, then the lead pyrotechnic operator employed by the production company or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of this Section, which it employs shall provide such proof to the Office.

(e) A person is qualified to assist a lead pyrotechnic operator if the person meets all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Is at least 18 years of age.

(2) Has not willfully violated any provision of this Act.

(3) Has not been declared incompetent by any competent court by reasons of mental or physical defect or disease unless a court has since declared the person competent.

(4) Does not have an addiction to or dependency on alcohol or drugs that is likely to endanger the public at a pyrotechnic display.

(5) Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of any felony within the prior 5 years.

(6) Is not a fugitive from justice.

(7) Is employed as an employee of the licensed pyrotechnic distributor or the licensed production company, or insured as an additional named insured on the pyrotechnic distributor's product liability and general liability insurance, as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of this Section, or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of this Section.

(8) Has been registered with the Office by the licensed distributor or the licensed production company on a form provided by the Office prior to the time when the assistant begins work as an employee on the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/50)

Sec. 50. Issuance of license; renewal; fees nonrefundable.

(a) The Office, upon the applicant's satisfactory completion of the requirements imposed under this Act and upon receipt of the requisite fees, shall issue the appropriate license showing the name, address, and photograph of the licensee and the dates of issuance and expiration. The license shall include the name of the pyrotechnic distributor or production company employing the lead pyrotechnic operator or insuring the lead pyrotechnic operator as an additional named insured on the pyrotechnic distributor's product liability and general liability insurance, as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of Section 35, or insuring the lead pyrotechnic operator as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of Section 35. A lead pyrotechnic operator is required to have a separate license for each pyrotechnic distributor or production company who employs the lead pyrotechnic operator or insures the lead pyrotechnic operator as an additional named insured on the pyrotechnic distributor's product liability and general liability insurance, as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of Section 35, or insures the lead pyrotechnic operator as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of Section 35.

(b) Each licensee may apply for renewal of his or her license upon payment of the applicable fees. The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. Failure to renew within 60 days of the expiration date results in lapse of the license. A lapsed license may not be reinstated until a written application is filed, the renewal fee is paid, and the reinstatement fee established by the Office is paid. Renewal and reinstatement fees shall be waived for persons who did not renew while on active duty in the military and who file for renewal or restoration within one year after discharge from the service. A lapsed license may not be reinstated after 5 years have elapsed except upon passing an examination to determine fitness to have the license restored and by paying the required fees.

(c) All fees paid under this Act are nonrefundable.

(d) A production company licensed under this Act shall pay all applicable licensing fees for each lead pyrotechnic operator it employs or insures as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of Section 35.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/57)

Sec. 57. Training; additional lead pyrotechnic operators. No pyrotechnic distributor or production company shall allow any person in the pyrotechnic distributor's or production company's employ to act as a lead pyrotechnic operator until the person has obtained a lead pyrotechnic operator's license from the Office. Nothing in this Section shall prevent an assistant from acting as a lead pyrotechnic operator under the direct supervision of a licensed lead pyrotechnic operator for training purposes.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/90)

Sec. 90. Penalties. Any natural person who violates any of the following provisions is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a corporation or other entity that violates any of the following provisions provision commits a business offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $5,000; a second or subsequent offense in violation of any Section of this Act, including this Section, is a Class 4 felony if committed by a natural person, or a business offense punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 if committed by a corporation or other business entity:

(1) Practicing or attempting to practice as a pyrotechnic distributor or production company, or lead pyrotechnic operator without a license;

(2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license, practice or business, or any other thing of value by fraudulent representation;

(3) Permitting, directing, or authorizing any person in one's employ or under one's direction or supervision to work or serve as a licensee if that individual does not possess an appropriate valid license.

Whenever any person is punished as a repeat offender under this Section, the Office may proceed to obtain a permanent injunction against the person under Section 10. If any person in making any oath or affidavit required by this Act swears falsely, the person is guilty of perjury and upon conviction may be punished accordingly.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 227/95)

Sec. 95. Display Reports. A lead pyrotechnic operator shall file an Illinois Display Report, which shall include the names and signatures of all lead pyrotechnic operators and assistants participating in the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service and the name, department, and signature of the fire protection jurisdiction, with the Office within 30 days following any pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service. The fire protection jurisdiction shall sign the Ilinois Display Report if the information therein is true and correct.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

Section 10. The Pyrotechnic Use Act is amended by changing Sections 1 and 2.1 as follows:

(425 ILCS 35/1) (from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 127)

Sec. 1. Definitions. As used in this Act, the following words shall have the following meanings:

"1.3G fireworks" means those fireworks used for professional outdoor displays and classified as fireworks UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.

"Consumer distributor" means any person who distributes, offers for sale, sells, or exchanges for consideration consumer fireworks in Illinois to another distributor or directly to any retailer or person for resale.

"Consumer fireworks" means those fireworks that must comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, as set forth in 16 C.F.R. Parts 1500 and 1507, and classified as fireworks UN0336 or UN0337 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101. "Consumer fireworks" shall not include snake or glow worm pellets; smoke devices; trick noisemakers known as "party poppers", "booby traps", "snappers", "trick matches", "cigarette loads", and "auto burglar alarms"; sparklers; toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion; and toy pistol paper or plastic caps that contain less than twenty hundredths grains of explosive mixture; the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times.

"Consumer fireworks display" or "consumer display" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of consumer fireworks to produce a visual or audible effect.

"Consumer operator" means an adult individual who is responsible for the safety, setup, and discharge of the consumer fireworks display and who has completed the training required in Section 2.2 of this Act.

"Consumer retailer" means any person who offers for sale, sells, or exchanges for consideration consumer fireworks in Illinois directly to any person with a consumer display permit.

"Display fireworks" means 1.3G or special effects fireworks or as further defined in the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Flame effect" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of flammable gases, liquids, or special materials to produce a thermal, physical, visual, or audible effect before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of whether admission is charged, in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 160 guidelines, and as may be further defined in the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Lead pyrotechnic operator" means an individual who is responsible for the safety, setup, and discharge of the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service and who is licensed pursuant to the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Person" means an individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, company, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state or any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States and any officer, agent, or employee of these entities.

"Production company" means any person in the film, digital and video media, television, commercial, music, or and theatrical stage industry who provides pyrotechnic services or pyrotechnic display services as part of a film, digital and video media, television, commercial, music, or theatrical production in the State of Illinois and is licensed by the Office pursuant to the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Pyrotechnic display" means the detonation, ignition, or deflagration of display fireworks or flame effects to produce visual or audible effects of a exhibitional nature before the public, invitees, or licensees, regardless of whether admission is charged, and as may be further defined in the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Pyrotechnic distributor" means any person who distributes display fireworks for sale in the State of Illinois or provides them as part of a pyrotechnic display service in the State of Illinois or provides only pyrotechnic services and is licensed by the Office pursuant to the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act.

"Pyrotechnic service" means the detonation, ignition or deflagration of display fireworks, special effects or flame effects to produce a visual or audible effect.

"Special effects fireworks" means pyrotechnic devices used for special effects by professionals in the performing arts in conjunction with theatrical, musical, or other productions that are similar to consumer fireworks in chemical compositions and construction, but are not intended for consumer use and are not labeled as such or identified as "intended for indoor use". "Special effects fireworks" are classified as fireworks UN0431 or UN0432 by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. 172.101.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

(425 ILCS 35/2.1)

Sec. 2.1. Pyrotechnic displays or pyrotechnic service. Each pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service shall be conducted by a licensed lead pyrotechnic operator employed by a licensed pyrotechnic distributor or a licensed production company, or insured as an additional named insured on the pyrotechnic distributor's product liability and general liability insurance, as required under paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection (c) of Section 35 of the Pyrotechnic Distribution and Operating Licensing Act, or insured as an additional named insured on the production company's general liability insurance, as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (c-3) of Section 35 of the Pyrotechnic Distribution and Operating Licensing Act. Applications for a pyrotechnic display permit shall be made in writing at least 15 days in advance of the date of the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service, unless agreed to otherwise by the local jurisdiction issuing the permit and the fire chief of the jurisdiction in which the display or pyrotechnic service will occur. After a permit has been granted, sales, possession, use, and distribution of display fireworks for the display or pyrotechnic service shall be lawful for that purpose only. No permit granted hereunder shall be transferable.

Pyrotechnic display permits may be granted hereunder to any adult individual applying therefor. No permit shall be required under the provisions of this Act for supervised public displays by State or County fair associations.

The applicant seeking the pyrotechnic display permit must provide proof of liability insurance in a sum not less than $1,000,000 to the local governmental entity issuing the permit.

A permit shall be issued only after the chief of the fire department providing fire protection coverage to the area of display or pyrotechnic service, or his or her designee, has inspected the site and determined that the display or pyrotechnic service can be performed in full compliance with the rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal and that the display or pyrotechnic service shall not be hazardous to property or endanger any person or persons. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the issuer of a permit from adopting more stringent rules.

All indoor pyrotechnic displays and pyrotechnic services shall be conducted in buildings protected by automatic sprinkler systems and meeting the requirements of rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this Act. At the time an individual applies for an indoor pyrotechnic display permit from the local jurisdiction, written notice of the permit application and the indoor display or pyrotechnic service information shall be made in writing at least 15 days in advance of the date of the pyrotechnic display or pyrotechnic service to the Office, unless agreed to otherwise by the Office.

Permits shall be signed by the chief of the fire department providing fire protection to the area of display or pyrotechnic service, or his or her designee, and must identify the licensed pyrotechnic distributor or licensed production company and the lead pyrotechnic operator.

(Source: P.A. 96-708, eff. 8-25-09.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2012.