displayfireworks1
12-04-2014, 08:46 PM
http://www.the-daily-record.com/local%20news/2014/12/04/proponents-of-legalizing-consumer-fireworks-testify-at-hearing
.
COLUMBUS -- Pyrotechnics enthusiasts urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass legislation legalizing consumer-grade fireworks in the state.
Five proponents, including an emergency responder and fireworks seller, submitted testimony in favor of SB 386 to the Senate's Commerce and Labor Committee, which is considering the proposed law changes.
"Current Ohio law makes use of these products illegal, but it a law widely ignored and enforced, said Bruce Blom, past president of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. Ohio citizens seasonally purchase large quantities of these items and undoubtedly feel they should be able to legally do so."
Firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and other fireworks can be purchased in Ohio by anyone 18 or older, but they cannot be used in the state. Instead, they must be taken over the state's borders within 48 hours of purchase.
The illegal possession or discharge of such fireworks can result in fines and jail sentences. Novelties, including sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and snaps, are legal for backyard use.
SB 386 would eliminate the requirement that consumer-grade fireworks be taken outside of the state within two days of purchase and would allow buyers to "discharge, ignite or explode" such fireworks.
Sellers would be required to provide safety glasses and a safety pamphlet prepared by the state fire marshal to customers. The legislation also would institute a new 6 percent fee on fireworks purchases, with the proceeds directed to the state fire marshal for training and enforcement efforts.
Health advocates and other groups that have pushed for increased prohibitions on fireworks are not supporting the bill.
"In 2013, 11,400 people were treated in emergency departments for firework-related injuries the highest number of injuries reported in the last 16 years," Prevent Blindness Ohio wrote in an email message urging its supporters to voice their concerns to lawmakers. "Half of those injured were innocent bystanders.
Wednesday's hearing focused on proponents of the law change, who argued that legalizing consumer-class fireworks could provide a boost to the state economy and that fireworks are safer to use today than in years past.
"We have watched as the people of Ohio are encouraged to sign a paper stating that they will be taking the product out of the state, fully knowing that the majority have no intention of doing so," Brian Knoles, president of the Ohio Pyrotechnic Arts Guild, said in testimony submitted to lawmakers. "This has created a situation encouraging dishonesty. We are fully in support of the legalization of fireworks in the state of Ohio and agree with the proposed safety requirements, safety pamphlet, eyewear, safety video and permits with the local jurisdictions.
David Lynch said his family was forced to move its fireworks business to Indiana because of Ohio's laws.
"This bill would change Ohio laws to permit each of us to celebrate our independence in our yards, so long as we're doing so in a safe way," he said.
http://pix.epodunk.com/locatorMaps/oh/OH_16549.gif
.
COLUMBUS -- Pyrotechnics enthusiasts urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass legislation legalizing consumer-grade fireworks in the state.
Five proponents, including an emergency responder and fireworks seller, submitted testimony in favor of SB 386 to the Senate's Commerce and Labor Committee, which is considering the proposed law changes.
"Current Ohio law makes use of these products illegal, but it a law widely ignored and enforced, said Bruce Blom, past president of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. Ohio citizens seasonally purchase large quantities of these items and undoubtedly feel they should be able to legally do so."
Firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and other fireworks can be purchased in Ohio by anyone 18 or older, but they cannot be used in the state. Instead, they must be taken over the state's borders within 48 hours of purchase.
The illegal possession or discharge of such fireworks can result in fines and jail sentences. Novelties, including sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and snaps, are legal for backyard use.
SB 386 would eliminate the requirement that consumer-grade fireworks be taken outside of the state within two days of purchase and would allow buyers to "discharge, ignite or explode" such fireworks.
Sellers would be required to provide safety glasses and a safety pamphlet prepared by the state fire marshal to customers. The legislation also would institute a new 6 percent fee on fireworks purchases, with the proceeds directed to the state fire marshal for training and enforcement efforts.
Health advocates and other groups that have pushed for increased prohibitions on fireworks are not supporting the bill.
"In 2013, 11,400 people were treated in emergency departments for firework-related injuries the highest number of injuries reported in the last 16 years," Prevent Blindness Ohio wrote in an email message urging its supporters to voice their concerns to lawmakers. "Half of those injured were innocent bystanders.
Wednesday's hearing focused on proponents of the law change, who argued that legalizing consumer-class fireworks could provide a boost to the state economy and that fireworks are safer to use today than in years past.
"We have watched as the people of Ohio are encouraged to sign a paper stating that they will be taking the product out of the state, fully knowing that the majority have no intention of doing so," Brian Knoles, president of the Ohio Pyrotechnic Arts Guild, said in testimony submitted to lawmakers. "This has created a situation encouraging dishonesty. We are fully in support of the legalization of fireworks in the state of Ohio and agree with the proposed safety requirements, safety pamphlet, eyewear, safety video and permits with the local jurisdictions.
David Lynch said his family was forced to move its fireworks business to Indiana because of Ohio's laws.
"This bill would change Ohio laws to permit each of us to celebrate our independence in our yards, so long as we're doing so in a safe way," he said.
http://pix.epodunk.com/locatorMaps/oh/OH_16549.gif