Tennessee Senate Bill SB1964

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Engrossed: 4/16/26
• Enrolled: 4/29/26
• Passed: 5/22/26
• Chaptered: 5/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 104, relative to fireworks.

Impact

The bill would allow seasonal retailers to sell fireworks during defined timeframes, facilitating local businesses engaged in this trade to operate legally. A permit fee is set at $150 for the calendar year 2026, which is a temporary measure repealed after February 1, 2027. This can potentially have significant implications for local economies, especially in areas where fireworks sales are popular, as it could encourage more businesses to enter the market during these seasonal periods.

Summary

Senate Bill 1964 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 104, addressing the regulation of seasonal retailers selling fireworks. The bill provides definitions for seasonal retailers and establishes specific periods of operation within which these retailers can operate. According to the proposed changes, a seasonal retailer is defined as any person making retail sales of fireworks during designated periods from May 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

Contention

One notable aspect of this bill is the temporary nature of its provisions, particularly the time-bound definitions and fee structure. By limiting the effective dates and establishing a specific permit fee, there might be concerns regarding the long-term sustainability and regulatory burden on seasonal retailers in the future. Additionally, the authority given to the state fire marshal to promulgate rules adds another layer of regulatory oversight, which may prompt discussions among industry stakeholders about the adequacy and impact of such regulations on small businesses.