HCS SS SCS SB 882 -- MISSOURI BLASTING SAFETY ACT

SPONSOR:  Engler (Cooper, 120)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Crime
Prevention and Public Safety by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute establishes the Missouri Blasting Safety Act.  In
its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Requires any person using explosives in this state to obtain
a license from the Division of Fire Safety within the Department
of Public Safety;

(2)  Establishes certain criteria to be met by applicants prior
to the issuance of a license;

(3)  Authorizes the division to suspend, revoke, or deny licenses
but provides for an appeal process through the State Blasting
Safety Board which is established;

(4)  Requires a person whose license has expired for more than
three years to take the licensing exam and complete the
continuing education requirements prior to being reissued a
license;

(5)  Allows for license reciprocity and certain licensing
exemptions;

(6)  Authorizes the division to adopt rules creating a
standardized qualification examination, continuing education
requirements, and a fee structure;

(7)  Specifies requirements for blasting activity, including the
use of a seismograph recording;

(8)  Requires all persons using explosives in this state to
register with the State Fire Marshal within 60 days of the
effective date of the substitute, pay a fee, and file an annual
report listing their blasting activities from the previous year;

(9)  Creates within the state treasury the Missouri Explosives
Safety Act Administration Fund to be used by the State Fire
Marshal for administration and enforcement costs; and

(10)  Requires any person using explosives in this state to
notify the division at least two business days in advance before
blasting at a new site.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2007, FY
2008, and FY 2009.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of
$9,860 in FY 2007, $6,204 in FY 2008, and $1,951 in FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there are currently no state
regulations regarding blasting and excavating in Missouri.  The
bill will standardize blasting activities and restrictions and
will permit municipalities to enact local rules without allowing
them to enact regulations regarding the technical aspects of
blasting.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Engler; Eric Strope, Capital
Quarries Company, Incorportated; Associated General Contractors
of Missouri, Incorporated; and Missouri Limestone Producers
Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say the fees established
in the bill will pay the costs of the three employees the State
Fire Marshal's office will need to implement the provisions of
the bill.

Others testifying on the bill was State Fire Marshal.

Kristina Jenkins, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:46 am