SCS HCS HB 298 -- MISSOURI BLASTING SAFETY ACT

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

(1)  Requires any person using explosives in this state to hold a
blaster's license or be supervised by a person holding a
blaster's license issued by 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 allows for an appeal process through the State Blasting
Safety Board which is established in the bill;

(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 anyone using explosives in this state to register
with the State Fire Marshal within 60 days of the effective date
of the bill, pay a fee, and file an annual report listing his or
her 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 administrative and enforcement costs;

(10)  Requires anyone using explosives in this state to notify
the division at least two business days before blasting at a new
site; and

(11)  Exempts the counties of St. Charles and St. Louis from the
provisions of the bill.

An individual who violates any provision of the bill will be
subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for a first violation
and up to $5,000 for a subsequent violation.  Anyone blasting
without a license will be guilty of a class B misdemeanor for a
first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a subsequent offense.
Anyone convicted of a class A misdemeanor relating to these
provisions will be permanently prohibited from obtaining a
blaster's license.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am