State House passes bill to legalize fireworks

By Ian Kullgren | Originally Published: 10/19/11 10:25pm | No comments

Although the Fourth of July won’t come for several months, some state lawmakers are trying to add more sparks, booms and bangs to America’s birthday.

On Wednesday, the state House passed a bill that would legalize certain kinds of fireworks that go “up and boom,” including projectiles such as rockets and roman candles, and explosives such as firecrackers, said State Rep. Harold Haugh, R-Roseville, the bill’s primary sponsor.

Both have been illegal in Michigan under a long-standing ban.

The bill was approved with heavy bipartisan support, with 98 voting yes and 10 voting no, and will need to pass through the Senate and be signed by the governor before becoming law.

The bill will help Michigan gain a competitive edge on the market, Haugh said.

“All I’ve done is make our state competitive by virtue of this bill,” Haugh said.

He said many people drive just across the Ohio and Indiana borders to purchase outlawed fireworks to bring back to Michigan.

Both states allow the sale of bottle rockets, fire crackers and roman candles.

Safety provisions in the bill would require stores selling the newly legalized fireworks to post a warning and make customers sign an agreement at the time of purchase saying they are aware of the risks.

East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said fireworks currently present a fairly sizable problem in the city — mostly near the Fourth of July holiday.

Pratt said usage almost certainly would increase if the laws were passed.
“The problems we’ve seen in the past are almost unbelievable,” Pratt said, adding the East Lansing

Fire Department has responded to fires caused by people launching rockets indoors.
“Most of the time they also involve alcohol.”

The Michigan State Police fire marshal officially signed off on the plans as safe prior to bill’s passage.

Political theory and constitutional democracy senior Eric Wilson said he thinks the law won’t cause problems, except for a few individuals who abuse fireworks.

“That’s cool, except for all the stupid people who will probably screw things up,” Wilson said.
“Most people can be trusted.”

Entomology senior Chelsea Rawe said she thinks problems stem more from irresponsible use than the fireworks themselves.

“They’re fun and safe if you use them intelligently,” she said.
“They’re also a symbol of American pride.”