The bill H.F. No. 1546, introduced by Representative O'Driscoll in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to repeal outdated fire safety laws that predate the adoption of the statewide fire code. Specifically, the bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 325F.02 to 325F.07, which regulate match safety, flame-resistant tents, and fire safety standards for public assembly fabric structures.

Key Points of Repealed Provisions:

1. Regulation of Matches (§ 325F.02)

   • Prohibited the sale of certain types of hazardous matches (e.g., strike-anywhere matches and windproof matches that ignite below 200°F).
   • Required branding and labeling of matches with manufacturer details.
   • Set storage restrictions for matches in retail stores and warehouses.
   • Established packaging requirements for matchboxes and shipping containers.
   • Violations carried monetary penalties.

2. Flame-Resistant Public Assembly Tents (§ 325F.03)

   • Required nonflammable or flame-resistant treatment for tents, awnings, curtains, and decorations used for events where 15 or more people gather.
   • Exempted camping tents, children’s play tents, and enclosures within sprinkler-equipped structures.

3. Flame-Resistant Tents for Sale (§ 325F.04)

   • Prohibited the sale or manufacture of non-flame-resistant tents for public use.
   • Required tents to be labeled as flame-resistant.

4. Regulatory Oversight by Public Safety Commissioner (§ 325F.05)

   • Granted rulemaking authority to the Commissioner of Public Safety to enforce flame-resistant material and labeling standards.

5. Civil Penalties for Violations (§ 325F.06)

   • Held manufacturers and sellers strictly liable for damages caused by violations.
   • Required sellers to refund customers for non-compliant tents.

6. Criminal Penalties (§ 325F.07)

   • Made violations of §§ 325F.03 to 325F.05 a misdemeanor offense.

Purpose of the Bill:

By repealing these outdated fire safety statutes, the bill aims to eliminate redundant regulations that are superseded by Minnesota's statewide fire code. This ensures fire safety regulations remain up to date and prevents unnecessary duplications.