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Ohio officials mull fireworks legislation
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Bottle rockets, Roman candles and other fireworks popular in backyard displays would be legal for consumer use in Ohio, under legislation being considered at the Statehouse.
State Sen. Dave Burke, R-Marysville, wants to overturn a ban in current law that prohibits the use of such consumer class fireworks within the state’s borders.
“While consumer-grade 1.4G fireworks are illegal to use in Ohio, we find every year that this law is largely ignored,” Burke told members of the chamber’s Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday, where the bill had its initial hearing. “I feel that by legalizing the use of consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio and working with the state fire marshal to develop policies and resources, we could make Ohio a safer place to use fireworks, decrease fireworks-related injuries while still allowing our citizens to express their national pride and joy in a safe, responsible manner.”
Firecrackers and other fireworks can be purchased in Ohio by anyone 18 or older, but they cannot be used in the state. Instead, they must be taken over the state’s borders within 48 hours of purchase. The illegal possession or discharge of such fireworks can result in a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Novelties, including sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and snaps, are legal for backyard use.
Burke’s SB 386 would eliminate the requirement that consumer-grade fireworks be taken outside of the state within two days of purchase and allow buyers to “discharge, ignite or explode” such fireworks.
Fireworks sellers would be required to provide safety glasses and a safety pamphlet prepared by the state fire marshal to customers.
The bill would prohibit the use fireworks by individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances or without property owners’ permission.
The legislation also would institute a new 6 percent fee on fireworks purchases, with the proceeds directed to the state fire marshal for training and enforcement efforts.