State House passes fireworks expansion bill
On a 75-56 vote, the Minnesota House passed a bill Monday to expand the state’s list of legal fireworks.
The support and opposition was bipartisan.
Under the bill, “aerial and audible devices,” like bottle rockets and firecrackers, could be sold and used legally. Current law allows only sparklers and other novelty devices.
Fireworks sales would be limited to June 1 through July 10.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Rep. Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, said his bill would give city officials the option of continuing the ban locally.
“One of the main issues that we addressed was local control,” Rarick said. "In this bill it clearly states that a town, city or township has the authority to limit or restrict the sales or use of fireworks.”
Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, downplayed the opposition from Minnesota fire chiefs and other organizations. Cornish said the bill was a chance to pass a “fun and freedom act.”
“The list that you see of the people who are against fireworks in Minnesota is a list of people who just don’t want to have fun anymore,” Cornish said. “Trust me, back home your constituents want this.”
But opponents warned that the expansion would bring increased injuries and property damage.
Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, said the aerial fireworks are much more powerful.
“There’s no way that you’re not going to see greater injuries, not just in frequency but in severity,” Atkins said. “So while I’m pro-fun and pro-freedom, I’m also pro-fingers and pro-eyes.”
Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a similar fireworks bill in 2012, and he said last week that he remains opposed to an expansion.
Rep. Rarick said he hopes to meet with the governor to try to change his mind.
The Senate has not taken up a companion bill.