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Committee narrows fireworks penalties, extends seasonal sales window
Summary
Senate Bill 2210 proposes widening the permitted fireworks-sales window (May 23–July 12 and Dec. 5–Jan. 9) and reduces some out-of-season sales penalties from felony to misdemeanor; committee adopted an amendment to increase escalating fines for repeat violations and advanced the bill.
Senator Rhodes told the committee that Senate Bill 2210 would change the time windows when retailers may sell consumer fireworks and reduce certain penalties for out-of-season sales.
"It would change the dates allowed for fireworks from May 23rd to July 12th and December 5th to January 9th," Senator Rhodes said, describing a request from retailers who want an extra weekend after holidays to sell remaining inventory and interest in Memorial Day sales.
The bill also changes penalties for out-of-season sales from felony to misdemeanor. Senator Sparks proposed — and the committee adopted — an amendment to increase fines on repeat offenders so that the financial consequence escalates with subsequent violations. The chair recorded the motion and the committee advanced the bill by voice vote.
Senators asked whether organized fireworks displays (for example, stadium or school events) would be excluded; colleagues noted that professional displays typically use contracted pyrotechnic services and are treated separately under existing law.
The committee approved the amended bill and advanced it to the next stage in the legislative process.
