Committee begins review of fireworks ordinance and awaits AML guidance on loitering enforcement

The committee opened discussion on whether to amend Jonesboro's current fireworks ordinance, which broadly prohibits fireworks in city limits except by permit. A member said Mayor Kopenhagenberger asked the group to begin reviewing the ordinance to consider limited allowances around the Fourth of July (and possibly New Year's), with specific hours and area restrictions to reduce random, nuisance usage while preserving public safety.

Police and committee members described enforcement challenges under the current prohibition, noting difficulty enforcing citywide bans on private fireworks and the strain calls place on 911 and police response. Committee members suggested options such as a narrow time window around July 4, area-based restrictions (excluding downtown, commercial zones and nursing homes), parental responsibility language and tying allowances to burn-ban status. The chair and police said they would research call-volume data and draft bullet points and example language (including trial-period options) for the committee to consider at a later meeting.

Separately, a council member asked about recent attorney general statements regarding loitering enforcement. Committee members said the statements do not appear to change state law, and the group is awaiting guidance from the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) to clarify whether municipal ordinances can be tightened. Staff noted existing enforcement tools remain (littering, obstruction, harassment) but that criminal enforcement typically requires identification and witness cooperation; any ordinance changes would likely require careful drafting and probably AML or legal review.

Next steps: staff and law enforcement will draft potential ordinance language and gather comparative examples from other cities, then return to the committee for further discussion.