ST. PAUL – Minnesotans who want to shoot off a bottle rocket, firecracker and other aerial fireworks around Independence Day received some good news on April 11, as the Minnesota House has approved the Fireworks Freedom Act by a vote of 73-56, which would make it legal to use these fireworks in our state.
State Representative Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) chief-authored the legislation, and was pleased with the bipartisan support.
"Responsible adults who want to celebrate the 4th of July by lighting a firecracker should have the freedom to make that choice," Rarick said.
The Fireworks Freedom Act would allow aerial and audible devices to be sold and used from June 1 to July 10 each year. Only people above the age of 18 could make fireworks purchases. Local governments could charge an annual license fee to stores that want to sell fireworks and are able to prohibit them from being sold.
According to some studies, Minnesota loses roughly $5 million in sales tax revenue every year when people drive across the border to purchase fireworks. Rarick said he's heard from a number of business owners located near the Wisconsin border that would like to sell legalized fireworks and keep Minnesota customers from crossing state lines.
"Minnesota's fireworks ban hasn’t stopped one strong-willed person from shooting off a bottle rocket on Independence Day," Rarick said. "It's time to let people exercise their freedoms and allow the state to benefit from fireworks sales."
Rarick's Fireworks Freedom Act will now be sent to the Minnesota Senate for further debate.
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