House Bill 676

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-13-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT PERMITS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF COUNTIES OR MUNICIPALITIES FOR THE SALE OR EXHIBITION OF FIREWORKS SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION AND THE MISSISSIPPI FIRE PREVENTION CODE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 45-13-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-13-11. The governing body of any municipality or the board of supervisors of any county outside a municipality may grant permits under which fireworks, the sale, possession or use of which is otherwise prohibited hereby, may be sold and used for exhibition purposes; however, such permit shall be issued in compliance with Section 1123 of the National Fire Protection Association, as revised, and the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code, as revised. Such permits shall require that the persons in charge of such exhibitions shall be experienced in the handling of fireworks and the members of the public attending the exhibitions shall be kept at a safe distance therefrom. Any fireworks held in storage for such exhibitions shall be kept in a closed box until removed therefrom for firing.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.