HCS HB 298 -- MISSOURI BLASTING SAFETY ACT (Cooper, 120) COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Special Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing 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 in the substitute; (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 listing 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.Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives