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Panel hears Hutchison County judge urge keeping local approval in bill allowing fireworks sales for Lunar New Year
Summary
House Bill 5084 would allow sale of fireworks for Lunar New Year celebrations in counties where the commissioners court approves. Hutchison County Judge Cindy Irwin testified in support, saying regional fire risk in the Panhandle requires preserving local discretion to approve or deny fireworks displays.
The Senate Committee on Local Government took testimony on House Bill 5084, a measure intended to allow the sale of fireworks for Lunar New Year celebrations in counties where the commissioners court approves such sales.
Senator Gutierrez explained the bill as similar to a prior accommodation for Diwali and described the measure as permitting Texans to “fully participate in the festivities” when a local commissioners court consents. Hutchison County Judge Cindy Irwin testified in support and urged the committee to preserve the requirement that the county commissioners court approve sales. Irwin said Hutchison County, in the Panhandle, faces year‑round fire season and recently granted a Memorial Day fireworks request only after considering rain totals, fuel loads and drought indices. She told the committee that removing local authority “would hinder the ability of communities to respond effectively to these specific challenges, potentially endangering lives and property.”
Senator Gutierrez confirmed the commissioners‑court approval language is in the bill and pledged it would remain. The committee received two public‑testimony sign‑ups, heard both witnesses, then closed public testimony and left the bill pending for further action.
