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Signed Into Law
Signed May 28, 2025Effective 2025-05-28
HB1899

Regular Session

Relating to the required age for a license or permit relating to the conduct of a public fireworks display.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB1899: Government Affairs Overview

HB1899 immediately reduces the minimum age for Pyrotechnic Operator Licenses and Public Fireworks Display Permits from 21 to 18 years of age. This legislation effectively expands the eligible labor pool for lead operators ahead of the July 4th season, but requires immediate verification of insurance coverage and client contract terms to avoid liability gaps.

Rep. Oscar Longoria·House Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-05-28
Enforcing Agencies

State Fire Marshal's Office • Texas Department of Insurance

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HB1899
Relating to the required age for a license or permit relating to the conduct of a public fireworks display.
Low Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote121 - 1
YEA
99% in favor122 voting
Senate Vote29 - 2
YEA
94% in favor31 voting
3
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-05-28
Enforcing Agencies
State Fire Marshal's OfficeTexas Department of Insurance
Primary Author: Rep. Oscar Longoria
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: May 28, 2025 (Immediate). The bill secured a two-thirds supermajority, overriding the standard September 1 implementation date.
  • Compliance Deadline: Immediate. Operators may begin submitting license applications for individuals aged 18–20 to the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) today.
  • Agency Rulemaking: The SFMO must update licensing forms to reflect the age change. However, you are not required to wait for new forms; submit current applications with proof of age. Watch for potential emergency rules regarding experience verification for this new age demographic.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Contact Insurance Broker: Confirm immediately that your carrier will cover licensed operators aged 18–20. Do not assume coverage exists.
  • 2. Audit Contracts: Review upcoming July 4th contracts for age-restrictive clauses and request amendments where necessary.
  • 3. Submit Licenses: Direct HR to process State Fire Marshal applications for qualified staff aged 18–20 immediately to clear the queue before July.
  • 4. Update Safety Protocols: Revise safety manuals to ensure mentorship protocols are in place for the new, younger operator class.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

Critical Review Required. You must audit existing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with venues, municipalities, and event promoters.

  • Many standard industry contracts contain boilerplate language requiring all lead personnel to be 21+.
  • Action: If your contract stipulates 21+, you cannot deploy a newly licensed 18-year-old without executing a contract amendment, regardless of the change in state law.

Hiring/Training

  • Recruitment: Update job descriptions to lower the age requirement to 18.
  • Internal Promotion: Identify current assistants aged 18–20 who meet the technical experience requirements and sponsor their licensure immediately.
  • Supervision: Implement a "shadowing" period for new operators under 21. While legally licensed, deploying an 18-year-old as a solo lead on a high-risk display invites heightened scrutiny in the event of an accident.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Training Logs: Maintain meticulous training records. In the event of an incident involving a younger operator, these logs will be the primary defense to prove competency beyond statutory age compliance.
  • ATF Compliance: Verify that "Responsible Person" designations on your Federal Explosives License (FEL) do not conflict with deploying operators under 21 for transport/possession duties.

Fees & Costs

  • No Fee Changes: The legislation does not alter current licensing fees.
  • Insurance Premiums: Consult your broker. Adding younger operators to your liability policy may trigger premium adjustments or require specific endorsements.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Insurance Exclusions: State law does not override insurance policy exclusions. If your Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy explicitly excludes operators under 21, you are exposed to uninsured liability until the policy is endorsed.
  • Municipal Preemption: While the state sets the license age, local Fire Marshals (AHJs) may attempt to enforce stricter local ordinances or permit requirements retaining the 21+ standard. Be prepared to challenge this or negotiate during the permitting process.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 16, 2025
Passed House
May 2, 2025
Passed Senate
May 14, 2025
Signed
May 28, 2025
Effective
May 28, 2025
TopicsSafetySafety--fireworksMinorsMinors--health & SafetyPermits
03

House Authors

Rep. Oscar LongoriaDemocrat · Primary Author
Joint Authors

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Adam HinojosaRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB1899

Q

What does Texas HB1899 do?

HB1899 immediately reduces the minimum age for Pyrotechnic Operator Licenses and Public Fireworks Display Permits from 21 to 18 years of age. This legislation effectively expands the eligible labor pool for lead operators ahead of the July 4th season, but requires immediate verification of insurance coverage and client contract terms to avoid liability gaps.

Q

Who authored HB1899?

HB1899 was authored by Texas Representative Oscar Longoria during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB1899 signed into law?

HB1899 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB1899?

HB1899 is enforced by State Fire Marshal's Office and Texas Department of Insurance.

Q

How significant are the changes in HB1899?

The regulatory priority for HB1899 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB1899?

The cost impact of HB1899 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB1899 address?

HB1899 addresses topics including safety, safety--fireworks, minors, minors--health & safety and permits.

Q

What are the key dates for HB1899?

Key dates for HB1899: Effective date is 2025-05-28. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

Which Texas businesses are affected by HB1899?

HB1899 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026