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Committee permits new low-risk fireworks category for local governments to allow sales
Summary
House Bill 2223 creates a new class of low-risk novelty fireworks and sparkling devices and allows local governments to permit retail sales if they adopt an ordinance; the committee passed the amendment and advanced the bill to finance.
Speaker Marsh presented an amendment to add a new class of low-risk novelty fireworks and sparkling devices to the code, distinguishing ground-based sparklers and similar items from higher-risk fireworks. The amendment is permissive for local governments, meaning retail sales of the new category would be allowed only where a local ordinance permits it.
Sponsor testimony stressed the bill balances public safety and market access, creates a permit requirement for retailers through the state fire marshal, and could increase retail sales tax revenue while preserving local control. The committee approved the amended bill 21-1 and sent it to the Finance committee.
