Ohio fireworks law loosened for this Independence Day weekend

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Health advocates have issued their annual warning against the use of backyard fireworks, even as a new state law has eliminated the signing of formerly required paperwork by revelers buying supplies in the state.

Consumer-class fireworks, including bottle rockets and Roman candles, 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.

An amendment added to last year’s biennial budget bill now permits consumers to buy fireworks without signing a purchaser’s form identifying themselves and acknowledging state law prohibitions against using fireworks.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.