WHEREAS, Many Californians and visitors to our state will use fireworks to celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July; and

WHEREAS, At least 10 people died in 2014 as a result of fireworks-related injuries either through direct contact with fireworks or in house fires started by fireworks; and

WHEREAS, Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for approximately 35 percent of fireworks-related injuries, including 1,400 injuries caused by sparklers, 1,400 injuries caused by firecrackers, and 100 injuries caused by bottle rockets overall; and

WHEREAS, The parts of the body most often injured were the hands, fingers, eyes, legs, the face, and head, which and these injuries potentially results result in lifelong disabilities for those injured; and

WHEREAS, Bodily injury is not the only damage that can occur from improper use of fireworks. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) has stated that improper use of fireworks has caused or contributed to wildfires throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Despite the fact that local jurisdictions have dedicated enforcement efforts and that the Office of the State Fire Marshal has statewide safety and education efforts, both of which have contributed to a reduction in the number of fireworks-related incidents, illegal fireworks still remain “Public Enemy No. 1 for the Fire Service”; and

WHEREAS, Law enforcement agencies and fire departments are using every tool at their disposal to cut off the supply of illegal fireworks and stop this illegal activity in its tracks. All Californians can help their local and state public safety agencies by only using “safe and sane fireworks” in the jurisdictions where they are permitted to be sold and used, and by reporting any illegal activity that they see; and

WHEREAS, The dynamics of the illegal fireworks problem in California have changed dramatically over the last 15 to 20 years. While 20 years ago, the primary focus of public safety agencies was illegal bottle rockets and firecrackers, today the use of these items is dwarfed by the heavy importation and use of aerial shells rivaling or surpassing those used at sanctioned public fireworks displays; and

WHEREAS, It takes a massive coordinated effort between state, federal, and local agencies to stop the supply of these illegal items coming across our state’s borders and to provide the means for public safety agencies to stop the illegal product and confiscate the illegal product from the casual user, and, more importantly, to stop, arrest, and prosecute those who are engaged in the felony possession, use, or sale of these dangerous, illegal fireworks; and

WHEREAS, California law allows each city or county to determine whether it will permit “safe and sane fireworks” to be sold or used in its jurisdiction. California law states that these “safe and sane fireworks” may be sold only between June 28 and July 6 of each year; and

WHEREAS, CalFire has urged all people in California to join sanctioned public fireworks displays to celebrate the Fourth of July; and

WHEREAS, Users of illegal fireworks can cause severe damage and significant injuries at a time of year when we should all be celebrating this special occasion, not engaging in destructive, criminal behavior; and

WHEREAS, CalFire has stated that in order for consumer fireworks to be used by the public, the firework item must be included on the State Fire Marshal’s “safe and sane” list and must also be authorized by the city, county, or fire district in the location where the fireworks will be used; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Senate Bill 839 of 2007, which took effect on January 1, 2008, possession of up to 25 pounds gross weight of illegal fireworks may be subject to a minimum penalty of $500, and up to a penalty of $1,000 and imprisonment in a county jail for one year; and

WHEREAS, Modification of any fireworks to create an explosive device can result in much more severe criminal penalties, including fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment; now, therefore, be it