Chapter 980 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

 

AN ACT

 

HB 3190

 

Relating to explosives; creating new provisions; amending ORS 480.200, 480.205, 480.210, 480.215, 480.225, 480.230, 480.235, 480.265, 480.270, 480.275, 480.280 and 480.290; repealing 480.255 and 480.260; limiting expenditures; and declaring an emergency.

 

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

 

      SECTION 1. ORS 480.200 is amended to read:

      480.200. As used in ORS 480.200 to [480.275 and 480.280 (2)] 480.290 unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) "Certificate of possession" means a certificate issued under ORS 480.235 by the State Fire Marshal to applicants who have met the requirements of ORS 480.200 to 480.290.

      (2) "Certificate of registration" means a certificate of registration issued under section 16 of this 1999 Act by the State Fire Marshal for an explosives magazine.

      [(1)] (3) "Explosive" means a chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord and igniters, [that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing a chemical reaction resulting in a substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat, including but not limited to dynamite, blasting powder, nitroglycerin, blasting caps and nitro-jelly, but excluding] but excludes fireworks, as defined [by] in ORS 480.110 (1), black powder, smokeless powder, small arms ammunition [and], small arms ammunition primers and fertilizer, as defined in ORS 633.310.

      [(2) "Fire marshal" means the State Fire Marshal.]

      [(3)] (4) "Issuing authority" means the State Fire Marshal or an assistant appointed by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 480.280 (2).

      (5) "Magazine" means an approved facility for the storage of explosives.

      [(4)] (6) "Small arms ammunition" means a shotgun, rifle, pistol or revolver cartridge.

      [(5)] (7) "Small arms ammunition primers" means small percussion-sensitive explosive charges encased in a cup and used to ignite propellant powder.

      SECTION 2. ORS 480.205 is amended to read:

      480.205. ORS 480.200 to [480.275, 480.280 (2)] 480.290 and 480.990 (6) do not apply to:

      (1) The possession of an explosive by a member of the Armed Forces of the United States while on active duty and engaged in the performance of official duties or by a member of a regularly organized [fire or police department of a] public law enforcement agency, public fire department or fire protection agency while engaged in the performance of official duties.

      (2) The possession of an explosive in the course of transportation by way of railroad, water, highway or air while under the jurisdiction of, or in conformity with, regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.

      [(3) The possession, sale, transfer or manufacture of an explosive by a person acting in accordance with the provisions of any applicable federal law or regulation that provides substantially the same requirements as the comparable provisions of ORS 480.200 to 480.275 and 480.280 (2).]

      SECTION 3. ORS 480.210 is amended to read:

      480.210. (1) [Except as otherwise provided by ORS 480.255,] A person may not possess [have] an explosive [in possession on or after September 9, 1971,] unless:

      (a) The person has in immediate possession at all times during the possession of the explosive a valid certificate of possession issued to the person under ORS 480.235; or

      (b) The person is licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to be a manufacturer of explosives, [or] a dealer in explosives or the authorized agent of such a manufacturer or dealer.

      (2) A person in possession of an explosive shall display a certificate of possession upon the demand of [an] the issuing authority, a magistrate or a [peace officer] law enforcement agency, public fire department or fire protection agency of this state.

      (3) It is a defense to a charge under subsection (1) of this section that the person so charged produce in court:

      (a) A certificate described in subsection (1)(a) of this section that was valid at the time of the arrest of the person; or

      (b) Proof that the person is licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to be a manufacturer [in] of explosives, a dealer in explosives, or the authorized agent of such a manufacturer or dealer [or a transferee under ORS 480.255 at the time of arrest].

      SECTION 4. ORS 480.215 is amended to read:

      480.215. [(1) Except as otherwise provided by ORS 480.255,] Possession of an explosive shall not be transferred unless:

      [(a)] (1) The transferee holds a certificate of possession under ORS 480.235 and the certificate is valid at the time of the transfer; [or]

      [(b)] (2) The transferee is licensed as a manufacturer of explosives or a dealer in explosives by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; or

      [(c)] (3) The transferee is a consignee of explosives [which] that have been transported under the jurisdiction of or in conformity with regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.

      [(2) Notwithstanding ORS 480.255 and subsection (1) of this section, a person shall not knowingly transfer possession of any explosive to anyone whom the transferor knows lacks any of those characteristics listed under ORS 480.225.]

      SECTION 5. ORS 480.225 is amended to read:

      480.225. (1) A person is eligible for a certificate of possession under ORS 480.235 if:

      [(1)] (a) The person has not been convicted, or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295, of a misdemeanor [involving the use or threatened use of force, violence or a dangerous or deadly weapon] involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470, within the previous four years. A person who has been so convicted is eligible under this subsection following the expiration of seven years after the date of final and unconditional discharge from all imprisonment, probation and parole resulting from the conviction.

      [(2)(a)] (b) The person has not been convicted, or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295, of, and is not under indictment for, any felony.

      [(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, a person convicted of a felony not involving the use or threatened use of force, violence or a dangerous weapon is eligible under this section following the expiration of 10 years after the date of final and unconditional discharge from all imprisonment, probation and parole resulting from the conviction.]

      [(3)] (c) The person is not a fugitive from justice, has no outstanding warrants for arrest and is not free on any form of pretrial release for any offenses listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

      [(4)] (d) The person has not been adjudged to be mentally ill or mentally deficient pursuant to ORS chapter 426 and 430.397 to 430.401 or ORS chapter 427. A person who previously has been so adjudged is eligible under this subsection if, at the time of application for such a certificate, the person produces a certified copy of a full discharge from the proper state hospital. The Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services Division shall provide the State Fire Marshal with direct electronic access to the division's database of information identifying persons meeting the criteria of this section who were committed or subject to an order under ORS 426.130. The State Fire Marshal and the Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services Division shall enter into an agreement describing the access to information under this subsection.

      [(5)] (e) The person is at least 21 years of age.

      [(6)] (f) The person does not use a fictitious name or make a material misrepresentation in application for such a certificate.

      [(7)(a)] (g)(A) The person has not been convicted of, and is not under indictment for, a criminal offense involving a controlled substance as defined in ORS 475.005, other than the offense of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

      [(b)] (B) Notwithstanding [paragraph (a) of this subsection] subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a person who has had a certificate denied or revoked due to conviction of a criminal offense involving a controlled substance is eligible under this section following the expiration of seven years after the date of final and unconditional discharge from all imprisonment, probation and parole resulting from the conviction.

      (h) The person has been discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for more than four years for an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470.

      (i) The person is not the subject of a restraining order that alleges the person's possession of explosives presents a credible threat to another person.

      (j) The person has passed an examination administered by the State Fire Marshal that assesses the person's knowledge of safety in the transportation and storage of explosives as required under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to explosives. The State Fire Marshal shall examine each applicant prior to issuance of a certificate of possession to the applicant. The State Fire Marshal may by rule establish and collect an examination fee in an amount necessary to cover the cost of administering the examination.

      (k) The person certifies on the application for a certificate of possession that all explosives in the person's possession will be used, stored and transported in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

      (L) The person certifies that all explosives will be possessed, used, stored and transported in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

      (2) Subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a conviction or indictment that has been expunged from a person's record under the laws of this state or equivalent laws of another jurisdiction.

      SECTION 6. ORS 480.230 is amended to read:

      480.230. A person desiring a certificate of possession shall apply [in person, or if such person is other than an individual, through its authorized representative or agent.] on application forms provided by the office of the State Fire Marshal. The forms shall be completed in full and shall include [The applicant shall provide at the time of such application]:

      (1) The applicant's legal name, [and] current address [and, if the applicant is other than an individual, the name and address of the individual completing the application and the individual's relationship to or position with the applicant] and current telephone number;

      (2) [If the applicant is an individual, the individual's age] The applicant's date of birth;

      (3) A statement by the applicant that the applicant is eligible for a certificate of possession under ORS 480.225;

      (4) The number of the certificate of registration issued under section 16 of this 1999 Act for the explosives magazine where the applicant intends to store the explosives;

      [(4)] (5) Any other information that the issuing authority may require to readily identify the applicant;

      [(5)] (6) A [verification] certification, signed and dated by the applicant [or the individual completing the application], that the information contained in the application is true; and

      [(6)] (7) A nonrefundable application fee of [$15] $50 for a three-year certificate [or $7.50 for a 90-day certificate].

      SECTION 7. ORS 480.235 is amended to read:

      480.235. (1) A certificate of possession [may not] shall be issued [before the expiration of seven days] or denied within 45 days after the date of the application or the conclusion of the investigation conducted by the issuing authority pursuant to subsection (2) of this section[, whichever occurs first].

      (2) The issuing authority shall conduct an [investigate] investigation [the qualifications of the applicant for a certificate of possession] to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements listed in ORS 480.225 and 480.230. The issuing authority shall include fingerprinting and photographic identification in the investigation. The issuing authority may submit the fingerprint cards to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of a nationwide criminal records check. Unless the issuing authority finds that the applicant is ineligible under ORS 480.225 or 480.230, the authority shall issue a certificate of possession to the applicant [at the end of the seven-day period or at the conclusion of the investigation, whichever occurs first]. If the issuing authority finds that the applicant is ineligible under ORS 480.225 or 480.230, the authority shall issue a notification of denial. The denial shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 480.275.

      (3) A [three-year] certificate of possession is valid for three years from the date of issuance [or until] unless suspended or revoked pursuant to ORS 480.270[, whichever date is earlier. A 90-day certificate of possession is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance or until suspended or revoked pursuant to ORS 480.270, whichever date is earlier].

      (4) A certificate of possession may not be assigned or transferred.

      (5) The holder of a certificate of possession shall maintain a record of the type and quantity of all explosives possessed during the certificate period. The record shall be made available upon demand of the issuing authority, [or] a magistrate or a [peace officer] law enforcement agency, public fire department or fire protection agency of this state.

      SECTION 8. ORS 480.265 is amended to read:

      480.265. The loss, theft or unlawful removal of an explosive from the possession of any person shall be reported by the person [immediately] within 24 hours to [an] the issuing authority [or] and a [peace officer] law enforcement agency of this state. The report shall include the type and quantity of the explosive.

      SECTION 9. ORS 480.270 is amended to read:

      480.270. (1) [An] The issuing authority may suspend or revoke a certificate of possession [or a certificate of registration as a manufacturer of explosives or as a dealer in explosives] if the issuing authority finds that the person to whom the certificate of possession was issued is ineligible for the certificate of possession under ORS 480.225 or 480.230 or that the person has been convicted of a violation under ORS 480.990 (6).

      (2) A certificate of possession suspended or revoked under subsection (1) of this section shall be void from the date of the suspension or revocation. The person to whom the certificate of possession was issued shall surrender the suspended or revoked certificate of possession to [an] the issuing authority upon the demand of the issuing authority.

      SECTION 10. ORS 480.275 is amended to read:

      480.275. [(1)] An applicant who has been denied a certificate of possession or a certificate of registration [or a certificate of registration as a manufacturer of explosives or as a dealer in explosives,] or a person whose certificate of possession or certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked is entitled to [be represented by counsel at] a hearing before the issuing authority under ORS 183.310 to 183.550. [At least 20 days before the date of the hearing the issuing authority shall notify the applicant or certificate holder of the matters to be considered at the hearing. Within 30 days after the date of the hearing, the issuing authority shall send written notice of its decision to the applicant or certificate holder.]

      [(2) Within 60 days after the receipt of the written notice of the decision of the issuing authority under subsection (1) of this section, the applicant or certificate holder may seek judicial review of the decision under ORS 183.480, 183.490 and 183.550.]

      SECTION 11. ORS 480.280 is amended to read:

      480.280. (1) The State Fire Marshal shall administer and enforce ORS 480.200 to [480.275, 480.280 (2)] 480.290 and 480.990 (6) and may, in accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183.310 to 183.550, adopt rules [and regulations] considered to be necessary in carrying out ORS 480.200 to [480.275, 480.280 (2)] 480.290 and 480.990 (6). The rules adopted shall be such as are reasonably necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare and safety and of persons possessing or storing explosives.

      (2) The State Fire Marshal may appoint an individual, designated as assistant by ORS 476.060 (1), or any other individual to act as the assistant[,] of the State Fire Marshal in the administration and enforcement of [this subsection and] ORS 480.200 to [480.275,] 480.290 and 480.990 (6).

      SECTION 12. ORS 480.290 is amended to read:

      480.290. (1) Each person who drives or has charge of a vehicle transporting explosives must possess a certificate issued pursuant to ORS 480.235 [or 480.255].

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the driver of a vehicle transporting any quantity of explosives must attend the vehicle at all times.

      (3) The driver of a vehicle transporting explosives may leave the vehicle unattended only at a designated location that has been approved for such parking by the State Fire Marshal or by the local government agency that has responsibility for fire protection.

      (4) A vehicle which contains explosives must not be parked within 300 feet of any bridge, tunnel, dwelling, building or place where people work, congregate or assemble except for brief periods when the necessities of operation require the vehicle to be parked and make it impracticable to park the vehicle in any other place.

      (5) As used in this section, a vehicle is "attended" when the person in charge of the vehicle is on the vehicle, awake and not in a sleeper berth, or is within 100 feet of the vehicle and has it within unobstructed field of view.

      (6) All vehicles containing explosives shall display appropriate placards conforming to the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation.

      SECTION 13. ORS 480.280 and 480.290 are added to and made a part of ORS 480.200 to 480.275.

      SECTION 14. Sections 15 and 16 of this 1999 Act are added to and made a part of ORS 480.200 to 480.275.

      SECTION 15. Any applicant for the renewal of an unexpired certificate of possession issued on or after June 1, 2000, shall not be required to retake the safety examination described under ORS 480.225 (1)(j) to obtain the renewal unless the applicant has allowed the certificate to lapse. All other requirements for the issuance of a certificate shall be met before a certificate is renewed.

      SECTION 16. (1) A person may store explosives only in an explosives magazine that has been issued a certificate of registration by the State Fire Marshal.

      (2) An application for a certificate of registration shall be submitted on a form approved by the State Fire Marshal and shall contain all information required by rule of the State Fire Marshal, including but not limited to the magazine location and structural information.

      (3) The State Fire Marshal may establish by rule and collect application and registration fees in an amount necessary to cover the cost of administering the magazine registration program.

      (4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, prior to issuing a certificate of registration, the State Fire Marshal shall inspect the magazine to ensure that the magazine complies with the rules established by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 480.280. The State Fire Marshal shall issue a certificate of registration for the magazine unless the State Fire Marshal finds that the magazine does not comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Denial of a certificate of registration shall be in accordance with subsection (9) of this section.

      (5) The State Fire Marshal may substitute for its own inspection of the magazine as required under subsection (4) of this section an inspection completed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The State Fire Marshal shall establish criteria for when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms inspection may substitute for the State Fire Marshal inspection.

      (6) A certificate of registration shall be valid for two years unless suspended or revoked as provided under subsection (9) of this section.

      (7) An application for the renewal of a certificate of registration shall be accompanied by any application fee established by the State Fire Marshal. A person who applies to renew a certificate before the person's current certificate expires does not need to retake the safety examination described under ORS 480.225 (1)(j). Each magazine shall be reinspected prior to renewal of the certificate of registration.

      (8) If a magazine required to be registered under this section is relocated, the person responsible for the magazine shall notify the State Fire Marshal within 24 hours of the relocation. Upon receiving notification under this subsection, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the fire department or fire protection agency having jurisdiction over the new location.

      (9) The State Fire Marshal may deny, suspend or revoke a certificate of registration if the State Fire Marshal finds that the magazine is ineligible for a certificate of registration. If the State Fire Marshal denies, suspends or revokes the certificate of registration, the issuing authority shall issue a notification of denial, suspension or revocation, subject to ORS 480.275.

      (10) The issuing authority may revoke the certificate of registration for failure to comply with any provision of ORS 480.200 to 480.290.

      SECTION 17. The State Fire Marshal shall, before June 1, 2000, develop procedures and informational materials necessary for the implementation of ORS 480.200 to 480.290 and the adoption of any rule thereunder.

      SECTION 18. ORS 480.255 and 480.260 are repealed.

      SECTION 19. Notwithstanding any law limiting expenditures of the Department of State Police for the payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by the Department of State Police for the biennium beginning July 1, 1999, the limitation on expenditures established by section 2, chapter 231, Oregon Laws 1999 (Enrolled House Bill 5043), is increased by $102,258 for the purpose of carrying out the duties imposed upon the department by sections 15, 16 and 17 of this 1999 Act and the amendments to ORS 480.200, 480.205, 480.210, 480.215, 480.225, 480.230, 480.235, 480.265, 480.270, 480.275, 480.280 and 480.290 by sections 1 to 12 of this 1999 Act.

      SECTION 20. Sections 15 and 16 of this 1999 Act, the amendments to ORS 480.200, 480.205, 480.210, 480.215, 480.225, 480.230, 480.235, 480.265, 480.270, 480.275, 480.280 and 480.290 by sections 1 to 12 of this 1999 Act and the repeal of ORS 480.255 and 480.260 by section 18 of this 1999 Act apply to certificates of possession and certificates of registration issued or renewed on or after June 1, 2000.

      SECTION 21. This 1999 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 1999 Act takes effect on its passage.

 

Approved by the Governor August 18, 1999

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State August 23, 1999

 

Effective date August 18, 1999

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