HCS HB 298 -- MISSOURI BLASTING SAFETY ACT

SPONSOR:  Wasson (Cooper, 120)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 8 to 1.

This substitute establishes the Missouri Blasting Safety Act.  In
its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Requires any person using explosives in this state to hold a
blaster's license or be supervised by a person holding a
blaster's license issued by 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 allows 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 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 substitute, 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;

(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; and

(11)  Exempts St. Charles County from the provisions of the
substitute.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2008,
FY 2009, and FY 2010.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of
$12,685 to Unknown in FY 2008, $5,674 to Unknown in FY 2009, and
$1,489 to Unknown in FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there are currently no state
regulations regarding blasting and excavating in Missouri.  The
bill will standardize blasting activities and restrictions and
allow municipalities to enact local rules without regulating the
technical aspects of blasting.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Cooper (120);
Missouri Limestone Producers Association; Ed Twehous, Twehous
Excavating Company, Incorporated; Associated General Contractors
of Missouri, Incorporated; Mining Industry Council of Missouri;
and Associated General Contractors of St. Louis.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am