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No sparks as fireworks expansion debate re-ignites with committee hearing

Examples of the kind of aerial fireworks available for sale in Wisconsin and other neighboring states were on display in the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee March 5 during a discussion of HF1089, a bill that would regulate the sale and use of certain fireworks. Photo by Andrew VonBank
Examples of the kind of aerial fireworks available for sale in Wisconsin and other neighboring states were on display in the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee March 5 during a discussion of HF1089, a bill that would regulate the sale and use of certain fireworks. Photo by Andrew VonBank

As of now, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms or sparklers have to legally suffice for Minnesotans celebrating the Fourth of July.

Yet, most people know of someone who illegally shoots off fireworks that cannot be purchased in the state — or have done it themselves.

A bill to expand legal fireworks in Minnesota to include things like bottle rockets, firecrackers and other fireworks classified by the American Pyrotechnics Association as consumer fireworks was vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2012, primarily over safety concerns.

Rep. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) has brought the proposal back this year as HF1089, a bill he admits is a work in progress.

“Minnesotans really want to see this happen,” he told the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee Thursday, adding that many people have told him illegal firework activity is “the most unenforced law in Minnesota.”

No action was taken at the informational hearing. A companion, SF465, sponsored by Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), awaits action by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bill would limit the sale and use of aerial and audible devices from June 1 to July 7 each year, and local governments would be permitted to charge an annual license fee to stores wanting to sell consumer fireworks, but they couldn’t, among other things, regulate structures where fireworks could be sold.

Rep. Dan Schoen (DFL-St. Paul Park) suggested the dates be restricted to just days around July 4, a timeframe, he believes, most people would be OK with.

As in years past, much of the discussion pitted the freedom of Minnesotans — including members admitting to illegally shooting off fireworks — against safety concerns.

Proposal to expand the list of legal fireworks

“There could be injuries, but I’m willing to accept that risk for the freedom to do some of the things that we like,” said Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center), the committee chair.

Rarick, whose district abuts Wisconsin, also made an economic argument that Minnesota loses approximately $3 million in sales tax revenue annually when people cross the border for fireworks.

Among arguments made by opponents was user and spectator safety, especially for children.

“Fireworks are dangerous, and even well-supervised fireworks used exceedingly can be dangerous,” said State Fire Marshal Bruce West.

Others against the bill gave examples of injuries to people who mishandled fireworks and said that when a firework malfunctions, it could shoot off in any direction without warning.

“We all know that the expansion of fireworks is going to increase our fire responses, the severity of our fires and injuries,” said White Bear Lake Fire Chief Tim Vadnais.

Rarick said injuries are a part of everyday life. He noted that children can be hurt playing sports, but instead of banning the activity, people are trying to make them safer.

Added Rep. Eric Lucero (R-Dayton): “Allowing fireworks would not be the first time we allow legal behavior for activities that are risky.”


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