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HB554

Regular Session

Relating to the sale of fireworks on and before the Juneteenth holiday.

Critical
Low Cost
Effective:2025-05-26
HB554
Relating to the sale of fireworks on and before the Juneteenth holiday.
Critical Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote126 - 7
YEA
95% in favor133 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
7
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-05-26
Enforcing Agencies
County Commissioners CourtsTexas A&M Forest Service
Primary Author: Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: May 26, 2025 (Immediate).
  • Compliance Deadline: June 1, 2025 (Deadline for Counties to adopt drought-based restrictions); June 14, 2025 (First authorized sales date).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No state-level rulemaking required. However, local County Commissioners Courts act as the regulatory body here. They must issue an Order approving the sale for it to be legal.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Contact County Clerk: Immediately verify if the Commissioners Court has voted to approve Juneteenth sales. If not, request it be added to the next agenda.
  • 2. Monitor Drought Index: Watch the Texas A&M Forest Service index daily. If your county is high-risk, verify by June 1 if the Court has issued a restriction order.
  • 3. Audit Insurance: Confirm coverage dates with your broker in writing.
  • 4. Secure the Gap: Establish physical security protocols for inventory during the June 20–23 sales blackout.
  • 5. Update Signage: Post hours of operation clearly indicating the closure dates to manage customer expectations.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Commercial Leases: Most fireworks land leases define the "Permitted Term" as June 24–July 4. You must execute a Lease Addendum immediately to expand the term to include June 14–19.
  • Insurance Policies: Verify your General Liability policy inception date. If your policy begins June 20 or June 24, you are uninsured for the Juneteenth season. Request an endorsement to start coverage on June 13 (to cover setup).
  • Supply Agreements: Logistics contracts must be amended to ensure inventory delivery by June 12/13, rather than the standard mid-June drop.

Hiring/Training

  • Staffing Schedules: Personnel must be contracted for an earlier start date.
  • "Gap" Training: Staff must be strictly trained that sales must cease from June 20 through June 23. Selling during these four days constitutes a violation of the Occupations Code, risking your permit for the subsequent July 4th season.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • County Authorization: You must obtain and keep on-site a certified copy of the Commissioners Court Order or Meeting Minutes approving the Juneteenth sales. Inspectors may request proof of local authorization.

Fees & Costs

  • Operational Costs: Anticipate pro-rated rent increases and additional insurance premiums for the extended operational days.
  • No New State Fees: There are no new permit fees payable to the State Fire Marshal for this specific window, provided your annual license is active.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Approved" vs. "Not Prohibited": The statute authorizes sales in a county that "has approved the sale." This implies an affirmative vote is required. If a County Commissioners Court remains silent or fails to put the item on the agenda, you must interpret this as a prohibition. Do not operate based on the assumption that "silence implies consent."
  • Storage During the Gap (June 20–23): The law authorizes *sales* during specific windows but does not explicitly address the status of inventory stored in temporary stands during the four-day gap.
  • *Guidance:* Treat the stand as a storage facility only during these days. Ensure "CLOSED" signage is prominent to prevent entrapment or public complaints.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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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.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Nov 12, 2024
Passed House
May 1, 2025
Passed Senate
May 13, 2025
Signed
May 26, 2025
TopicsHolidaysSafetySafety--fireworksJuneteenthCounty GovernmentCounty Government--generalTexas A&m Forest Service
03

House Authors

Rep. Terri Leo-WilsonRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (7)

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Mayes MiddletonRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB554

Q

What does Texas HB554 do?

HB554 immediately authorizes a new retail fireworks sales period from June 14 through midnight on June 19 to coincide with Juneteenth. This is not a statewide authorization; sales are legal only if the specific County Commissioners Court has affirmatively approved the sale. Retailers face a critical compliance gap between the new Juneteenth season and the standard July 4th season (June 20–23) where sales remain prohibited.

Q

Who authored HB554?

HB554 was authored by Texas Representative Terri Leo-Wilson during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB554 signed into law?

HB554 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 26, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB554?

HB554 is enforced by County Commissioners Courts (Approval Authority) and Texas A&M Forest Service (Drought Determination).

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB554?

The compliance urgency for HB554 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB554?

The cost impact of HB554 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB554 address?

HB554 addresses topics including holidays, safety, safety--fireworks, juneteenth and county government.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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