Consumer and Display Fireworks - Regulation and Tax

HB 1502 regulates the sale and possession of consumer fireworks in Maryland while establishing a new sales tax. It defines specific safety standards for "consumer fireworks" (like small firecrackers meeting federal safety rules) and separates these from professional "display fireworks." The bill creates a new sales tax rate for qualifying fireworks, directs the revenue to state funds, and allows counties to opt out of certain local sales regulations. This directly affects consumers buying fireworks, retailers selling them, and local governments managing enforcement. The law updates existing safety and tax codes to standardize rules and generate dedicated funding.