HB2851Introduced in the House
SPARKLER EXCISE TAX ACT
Introduced by Robert Rita, District 28
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Creates the Ground-Based Sparkler Purchaser Excise Tax Act. Imposes a tax, beginning July 1, 2025, upon purchasers for the privilege of using ground-based sparklers and not for the purpose of resale at the rate of 6% of the purchase price of ground-based sparklers. Prohibits certain retail combinations or bundles. Requires every retailer required to collect the tax to apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of registration. Provides that any retailer required to collect the tax shall be liable to the Department for the tax, whether the tax has been collected, and any such tax shall constitute a debt to the State. Provides for the making of returns. Provides that from the revenue collected, the Department shall pay 25% into the Fireman's Annuity and Benefit Fund, 25% into the Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund, and 50% into the General Revenue Fund. Provides for recordkeeping requirements. Establishes penalties for violations of the Act. Provides that the Department shall have full power to administer and enforce the Act. Allows for the arrest of any person who violates the Act, the search of any place of business to inspect all ground-based sparklers, and the seizure of any ground based-sparklers without a warrant. Sets forth hearing requirements after seizure. Allows the Department to adopt rules. Amends the Fireworks Regulation Act of Illinois. Allows a municipality to prohibit the sale and use of ground-based sparklers on public property. Prohibits ground-based sparklers from being sold to a person under the age of 18 years. Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Prohibits ground-based sparklers from being sold to a person under the age of 18 years. Effective July 1, 2025.
Where it stands
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
April 17, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
HouseStage: House Revenue & Finance Committee · April 16, 2026
11
Yes
3
No
6
Absent or Not Voting
20 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Hernandez | 2 | Yes |
| Eva Dina Delgado | 3 | Yes |
| Sonya Harper | 6 | Not Voting |
| Yolanda Morris | 9 | No |
| Margaret Croke | 12 | Yes |
| Edgar Gonzalez | 23 | Yes |
| Curtis Tarver | 25 | Yes |
| Justin Slaughter | 27 | Not Voting |
| Will Guzzardi | 39 | Yes |
| Jaime Andrade | 40 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Robert "Bob" Rita
First Reading
Referred to Rules Committee
Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee
To Tax Policy: Sales Tax Subcommittee
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee
To Sales Tax Subcommittee
Recommends Do Pass Subcommittee/ Revenue & Finance Committee; 006-000-000
Reported Back To Revenue & Finance Committee;
Do Pass / Short Debate Revenue & Finance Committee; 020-000-000
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Robert "Bob" Rita
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Joe C. Sosnowski
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Revenue & Finance Committee
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Hernandez
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. William "Will" Davis
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
Second Reading - Short Debate
Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Revenue & Finance Committee; 011-003-000
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.