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Council briefed on state law changing local fireworks restrictions
Summary
Councilors were briefed that Senate File 303 restricts local prohibitions on fireworks discharge on July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31; staff will prepare an ordinance amendment and councilors raised questions about burn bans and liability.
Manchester councilors heard a staff briefing about a recent state law (Senate File 303) that limits cities’ authority to prohibit fireworks on certain dates.
Jim referenced the enacted Senate File 303 and Erin said staff will work with codification to amend the city ordinance to comply. Erin summarized the statutory effect: the law designates July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31 as dates when municipalities may not prohibit the discharge of fireworks during specified hours (Erin said she would verify the exact hours). Councilors asked how a local burn ban would interact with the new law and who would be liable for damages; staff replied that the person discharging fireworks would be responsible for any damages and that staff would confirm how burn bans and local public‑safety orders interact with the state statute.
Councilors directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment on a short timeline; the matter is expected to return to council for formal action.
