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DelawareHB 63153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Sponsored By: Madinah Wilson-Anton (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

Fireworks sellers face fines and bans

Selling without a required fireworks permit brings a $1,000 penalty for the first violation and $5,000 for the second. Each later violation carries a $10,000 penalty. Anyone with three or more violations of Delaware's fireworks chapter is barred from chapter-authorized activities for one year from conviction. A third or later violation conviction immediately voids and revokes any permit or license held under that chapter. The person cannot reapply for one year from the conviction date.

Repeat fireworks violations bring larger fines

For violations of Delaware's fireworks chapter with no separate penalty, the first fine is up to $250. The second fine ranges from $250 to $500. Each later violation carries a fine of up to $1,000.

Fireworks sellers must warn buyers

Ads for fireworks or products containing a pyrotechnic mixture made available to Delaware consumers must carry legal warnings. They must say fireworks use is generally illegal without a permit, sparklers and similar products may be illegal, and buyers should check state and local law. Missing warnings bring a $1,000 civil fine for each distributed print copy or audio, visual, or audiovisual ad exposure. Before a Delaware sale, buyers must receive a letter-sized notice in large, bold type warning about possible illegality, financial penalties, and death or serious injury from improper use. The State Fire Prevention Commission can require different information in the sales notice by regulation.

Fireworks fees fund enforcement and education

Money from fireworks permit fees, license fees, and civil penalties goes into a special State Fire Marshal fund. The office uses that money for enforcement and public education. The law does not set a total funding amount.

Tighter limits for Delaware fireworks buyers

Buyers of the listed fireworks must be 18 or older. The sales window shrinks from 30 days to 15 days before and including each allowed-use day. Use is limited to July 4, the third day of Diwali, December 31, and January 1. Covered items include wood or wire sparklers with no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item. Other nonexplosive, non-aerial handheld or ground devices have limits of 75 grams per tube or 500 grams for multiple tubes. Snakes, glow worms, and smoke devices have a 20-gram limit; trick noisemakers have a 16-milligram limit. Use, storage, sale, and possession must follow Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission rules, replacing the named 2006 safety standard.

New license fees for fireworks businesses

Retail sellers must apply for a State Fire Marshal permit 90 days before each 15-day sales period. Each retail location and sales period requires a separate application and $100 fee. Temporary structures, including tents and stands, also require a $25 structure inspection and a separate $25 inventory inspection. Anyone shipping, advertising, offering, or supplying fireworks to Delaware retailers needs a State Fire Marshal wholesale license. That license lasts one year and requires a new application and $100 fee for each annual renewal.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Madinah Wilson-Anton

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Stephanie T. Bolden

    Democratic • House

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • Mara Gorman

    Democratic • House

  • Kerri Evelyn Harris

    Democratic • House

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

  • Cyndie Romer

    Democratic • House

  • David P. Sokola

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bryan Townsend

    Democratic • Senate

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 3

Senate vote • 6/23/2026

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 19 • No: 2

House vote • 3/17/2026

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 38 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/24/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 NO

    6/23/2026Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits

    4/22/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in Senate

    3/17/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 38 YES 1 NO 2 ABSENT

    3/17/2026House

  6. Amendment HA 1 to HB 63 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    3/17/2026House

  7. Amendment HA 1 to HB 63 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/11/2025House

  8. Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    3/25/2025House

  9. Introduced and Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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