Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. Deletes the content of the previous edition and replaces it with the following.

Changes the act's titles.

Includes several whereas clauses setting out the history of the celebration of the 4th of July. Prohibits the Governor and any municipality or county from prohibiting parades, fireworks discharged in accordance with Article 54 of GS Chapter 14, held on July 4th, commemorating the Declaration of Independence by the United States. Provides that, notwithstanding GS 166A-19.30 and 166-31(h), relating to powers under state and local declarations of emergency, prohibits prosecution for the Class 2 misdemeanor required for violation of a declaration or executive order, merely for the act of attending or participating in a parade, or firework display discharged in accordance with Article 54 of GS Chapter 14, held on July 4th, commemorating the Declaration of Independence by the United States.

Also provides limited immunity for any act or omission alleged to have resulted in the contraction of COVID-19 during a parade or firework display discharged in accordance with Article 54 of GS Chapter 14, held on July 4th. This provision does not apply to (1) claims before the Industrial Commission seeking benefits payable under the Workers' Compensation Act, Article 1 of GS Chapter 97 or (2) claims arising later than one year after the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 116 issued March 10, 2020.

Effective when it becomes law and expires when any applicable declaration of emergency prohibitions and restrictions expire or are terminated to permit parades and firework displays on the 4th of July.