Primary Department: Commissioner, Precinct 4
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Lesley Briones, Commissioner
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and possible action to authorize Diwali fireworks sales, in accordance with the regulations outlined in H.B. 608.
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Background and Discussion:
House Bill 608, effective September 1, 2023, allows counties to approve retail fireworks sales for Diwali, starting five days before the holiday and ending at midnight on the last day. Dates vary each year based on the Hindu calendar.
On September 19, 2024, Commissioners Court approved a one-year Diwali fireworks sales period and requested public safety data to help guide future decisions.
In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20. To meet statutory deadlines, any new order must be approved by October 5, 2025, at the latest. This item is a request to discuss safety and economic data and possible action to authorize the 2025 Diwali fireworks sales season. Early action will support safe and effective planning for the holiday.
Expected Impact:
Adopting a community-based and safety-focused plan provided by the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will bring Harris County into compliance with current law. Authorization will also support an important community celebration.
Alternative Options: N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 3. Make our economy more inclusive.
County Strategic Plan Objective: M: Ensure that Harris County remains the best place in the region to start and grow a business, with a focus on equitable economic growth.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: N/A
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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09/19/2025 |
440 |
Passed with Motions: To authorize the sale of Diwali fireworks on an annual basis and track public safety data for the next year related to the 2024 Diwali season. 2.) Authorize 2024 Diwali fireworks sale from October 25, 2024, to midnight on November 1, 2024, in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154. 3.) Adopt the order language as presented by the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (see page 15 of backup). 4.) Direct the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office to collaborate with the Harris County Engineering Department in Universal Services, to establish an additional sale period in E-Permits, create a permit for Diwali outline associated costs aligned with the adopted fees schedule and provide any necessary support. 5.) Direct the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office to inspect all sale and distribution locations in unincorporated Harris County for fire and life safety. 6.) Request the Fire Marshal's Office and vendors work collaboratively and engage other stake holders to ensure effective data sharing, education, messaging unawareness regarding safety protocols, and that any relevant safety considerations be presented to Commissioners Court at the next time we consider the potential next authorization. |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 6/12/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Anne Sung, Chief Policy & Innovation Officer, Commissioner Precinct 4
Attachments (if applicable):