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.

Summary

SB1964 amends Tennessee’s fireworks law to create a temporary, special definition of “seasonal retailer” for a limited period beginning May 1, 2026 and ending January 31, 2027. During that window, a seasonal retailer is defined by specific retail sales periods tied to fireworks-selling seasons: May 20–May 30, June 10–July 10, September 1–September 10, and December 10–January 3. The temporary definition is repealed on February 1, 2027. The bill also sets a reduced seasonal retailer permit fee for calendar year 2026 at $150, overriding the general fee provision for that year only. It authorizes the state fire marshal to adopt rules to implement the act under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Impact

The bill temporarily modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 104, by adding a short-term definition of seasonal retailer and a one-year permit fee adjustment for fireworks sellers. It affects fireworks retailers, permit applicants, and the state fire marshal’s regulatory authority, while leaving the underlying fireworks regulatory framework in place after the temporary provisions expire in 2027.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and moved through the legislature with strong committee backing and a decisive floor vote. It passed the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee 9-0, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee 11-0, and the floor 67-17, indicating overall favorable sentiment toward the measure. The available record does not include committee debate, but the voting pattern suggests the bill was generally viewed as a practical administrative adjustment rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the temporary reduction in the seasonal retailer permit fee and the creation of a special, time-limited definition of seasonal retailer, which may affect state revenue, regulatory treatment, and market access for fireworks vendors. Any opposition likely centered on whether the fee reduction or special seasonal structure was necessary, but the recorded votes show limited resistance in committee and a minority of opposition on final passage. No specific objections or amendments are reflected in the available transcripts.