Opponents: Delay passage of Ohio fireworks bill

COLUMBUS — Opponents of legislation to legalize consumer-grade fireworks continue to urge lawmakers to reject the bill or postpone action until next year even as the Ohio House prepared for a potential final vote on the issue.

A coalition of groups that includes Prevent Blindness Ohio, firefighters, law enforcement and pediatricians said during a news conference today at the Statehouse that the proposed law change will lead to more fireworks-related injuries.

“Fireworks are inherently dangerous,” said Gary Smith, a longtime pediatric emergency room physician and president of the Child Injury Prevention Alliance. “They cause serious injury, especially in the pediatric age group. ... “If this bill becomes law, it is certain that we are going to see an increase in unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks in this state.”

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com