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Firework regs could be lifted

Published (3/16/2012)
By Erin Schmidtke
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Fireworks shops just across Minnesota’s borders in neighboring states may get some competition.

Rep. John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove) sponsors HF1774, which would expand the types of fireworks available to Minnesotans. The bill would legalize fireworks containing 75 grams or less of chemical mixture per tube, with 500 grams or less for multiple tubes in a single firework. That could include some fireworks intended to be shot into the air, while keeping display pyrotechnics, like those used at concerts or city festivals, illegal for average citizens.

The House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee approved the bill and sent it to the House floor March 14. Sen. Michael Jungbauer (R-East Bethel) sponsors the companion, SF1694, which awaits action by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Kriesel said that the bill would decriminalize a product that is meant to be enjoyed. He asserted that Minnesota loses tax dollars to other states that legally sell a range of consumer fireworks.

Proponents of the bill argued that in cases where these fireworks were legalized, use increased but injury rates decreased. Mark Lazarchic, owner of Renaissance Fireworks, said that current law also hurts businesses like his, because it bars them from selling products Minnesotans can get in other states. He added that risky behavior involving fireworks occurs regardless of legality.

“You can’t regulate crazy. Crazy is going to happen,” he said.

Eden Prairie Fire Chief George Esbensen opposes the bill. He warned that permitting the sale of more fireworks would increase accidents, especially for children who are not aware of the potential dangers. He also said that emergency responders throughout the state are overtaxed and would be unable to handle additional fires that could happen if fireworks regulations were lifted.

“I think that’s a huge mistake. If you step outside, you’ll see a very brown environment and a very warm environment,” he said.

Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL-Champlin) suggested offering safety classes and license opportunities for fireworks users, like the state does with firearms, as an alternative to the bill. She said this strategy would “not make criminals out of kids just trying to have fun.”

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