HB 1553 -- Missouri Blasting Safety Act Sponsor: Cooper (120) This bill establishes the Missouri Blasting Safety Act. The bill: (1) Requires any person using explosives in this state to obtain a license from 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 provides for an appeal process through the State Blasting Safety Board which is established; (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 provides for 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 all persons 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 stating their blasting activities from the previous year; (9) Creates within the state treasury the Missouri Explosives Safety Act Administration Fund to be expended by the State Fire Marshal for administration and enforcement costs; and (10) Requires any person using explosives in this state to notify the division at least two business days in advance before blasting at a new site.Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives