TennesseeTennessee requires some sparkling-device sellers to register locations
Starting July 1, 2026, sellers without the specified fireworks permit must register each location where they offer sparkling devices, and existing local restrictions generally cover them.
What it does
Sellers without the specified fireworks permit must register each location where they offer sparkling devices and pay a $25 fee.
The law allows sparkling devices and several small novelty and safety items to be sold and used at all times.
Sparkling devices follow fireworks age and safety rules, and local restrictions in place by June 30, 2026, also cover them unless changed to allow them.
Argument forRegistering each sale location could help the state fire marshal identify where sparkling devices are sold.
Argument againstSellers without the specified fireworks permit may face a $25 fee and yearly registration steps for every location where they sell sparkling devices.
More detail
A seller without the specified fireworks permit must register each location where they offer sparkling devices for sale. This applies to each location where a person offers sparkling devices for sale, unless that person holds the permit described in the law. The fee is $25. The state fire marshal cannot register anyone under 18. A registration is valid for the calendar year it is issued and expires on December 31. A seller whose registration expires is not in violation for failing to renew until the third day after expiration.
The law allows certain small items to be sold and used at all times. The items include sparkling devices, novelties, emergency flares, matches, trick matches, cigarette loads, and toy paper pistol caps containing less than 0.25 grains of explosive material. Sparkling devices are ground-based or hand-held items that emit showers of sparks without detonating or propelling themselves through the air, and must meet the stated limits on pyrotechnic material. This provision takes effect July 1, 2026.
The law applies specified fireworks age, safety, and local restriction rules to sparkling devices. These rules concern people who buy, sell, or use sparkling devices in Tennessee. A buyer must be at least 16. Buyers who are 16 or 17 must show state-issued photo identification or be with an adult; sales to people under 16, or to intoxicated or irresponsible people, are unlawful. Igniting sparkling devices is barred within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, or public school, and within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold. Local restrictions in effect by June 30, 2026, also cover sparkling devices unless amended to allow them. The act takes effect July 1, 2026. The local restrictions it extends are those in effect before or on June 30, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 27Pub. Ch. 1135Latest
- May 27Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
- May 22Signed by Governor Bill Lee.Became Law
- May 11Transmitted to Governor for action.To Governor
- May 7Signed by H. SpeakerMajor
- Apr 30Signed by Senate SpeakerMajor
- Apr 29Enrolled and ready for signaturesMinor
- Apr 21Subst. for comp. HB.Major
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 21Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0959)Minor
- Apr 21Passed H., Ayes 68, Nays 16, PNV 3Passed House
- Apr 17Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Apr 16Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA1004)
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 4/16/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 16Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 27, Nays 3Passed Senate
- Apr 16Engrossed; ready for transmission to HouseMinor
- Apr 15Placed on Senate Regular Calendar 2 for 4/16/2026
- Apr 14Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
- Vote recorded SENATE FINANCE, WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee 4/14/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 14Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/16/2026
- Apr 9Rule #83(8) Suspended, to be heard in Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee on 4/14/2026
- Apr 9Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/14/2026
- Apr 7Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 7, Nays 2 PNV 0
- Vote recorded SENATE COMMERCE AND LABOR COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 7, Nays 2 PNV 0 4/7/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 1Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 4/7/2026
- Mar 10Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/17/2026
- Mar 4Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/10/2026
- Mar 3Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/10/2026
- Feb 24Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
- Feb 5Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor CommitteeMinor
- Feb 4Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Feb 2Filed for introductionMinor
- Feb 2Introduced, Passed on First ConsiderationIntroduced
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