Senator Bob Archuleta’s Illegal Fireworks Handling and Disposal Bill Passes the Senate
Sacramento - State Senator Bob Archuleta’s (D-Pico Rivera) bill to improve the safety of illegal fireworks handling and disposal has passed the Senate, and is currently making its way through the Assembly.
Senate Bill 277, improves California’s safe handling and disposal of confiscated illegal fireworks by establishing an enforcement and disposal fund to better coordinate enforcement efforts between the State Fire Marshal and local agencies.
Senate Bill 277 does not outlaw fireworks, or make any readily available fireworks from the seasonal fireworks seasonal 4th of July stands illegal.
“As we contend with a drought, it is imperative that the number of illegal fireworks, which are prone to fly off in an uncontrolled manner and start brush fires that quickly threaten surrounding homes, be reduced in a responsible manner that minimizes the chance of an accident. We all want to have a safe and fun Fourth of July, and I’m hopeful that Senate Bill 277 will help make that possible.”
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported complaints about illegal fireworks increased 170% during the first three weeks of June 2020, compared to June 2019. Similarly, the LAPD reported dispatching officers 1,429 times during the first three weeks of June compared to 528 times during the same period in 2019.
“As we enter what is expected to be an extended period of drought, it is imperative that practical fire safety awareness and enhanced agency capabilities be considered in order to guard the lives or our loved ones.” said Archuleta.
SB 277 awaits approval in the Assembly and then will head to Governor Newsom for his signature.
Senator Bob Archuleta represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles County and Orange County. He is Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Chair of the Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy, and a member of the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange.
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