Submitted article

STATEHOUSE – State Senator Dave Burke (R–Marysville) introduced legislation today to legalize the use of 1.4G consumer grade fireworks in the State of Ohio. Current law requires consumer grade fireworks purchased in the state to be transported out within 48 hours of purchase and prohibits their use within state lines.

“The intent of the legislation is to allow Ohioans the freedom to celebrate their national pride and joy in a safe and responsible manner,” said Burke.

In recent years, states across the country have begun to loosen their laws that restrict the use of fireworks as the industry has taken major steps in making fireworks safer for individual consumers.  Since 1976, firework consumption has risen 615 percent, while the firework injury rate has steadily decreased. The injury rate has dropped from 38.3 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks consumed in 1976 to 6.1 injuries per 100,000 pounds in 2013.

“The data appears to speak for itself. We have safer products today than we did in the past,” Said Burke. “This legislation allows for a more informed consumer and an ability to increase public safety while engaging in this American tradition.”

The bill will also generate additional resources to give the state the ability to educate consumers on proper firework safety practices.  The State Fire Marshall’s office will be required to design a safety pamphlet to be distributed to the consumer at the point of each sale. This will help increase the use of safety procedures and decrease injuries. Also, to encourage more consumers to recognize the importance of eye safety, firework retailers will also be required to have safety glasses available for a nominal fee or at no cost.

To help fund the state’s increased safety efforts, the bill will also enact a six percent fireworks safety fee on the sale of all consumer grade fireworks in Ohio.  Five percent of the fee will be directed towards the Fire Marshall’s office to help fund firefighter training statewide, and one percent towards regulation and enforcement of the fireworks industry.  Indiana, Michigan, and Texas have adopted similar fees in recent years.

The bill will be referred to the Senate Rules and Reference panel to receive a committee assignment.