Ohioans could legally set off fireworks next Fourth of July if Gov. DeWine signs bill
COLUMBUS – By next Fourth of July, Ohioans could finally shoot off fireworks – legally.
Ohio is one of the last states to allow residents to set off fireworks despite multiple attempts to legalize the practice over the years. Current state law allows Ohioans to purchase fireworks in the state but not shoot them off here.
But Senate Bill 113, headed to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk, would change that.
The proposed legislation would allow residents to set off fireworks on these holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year
- Cinco de Mayo
- Memorial Day weekend
- Juneteenth
- July 3, 4, and 5 and the weekends preceding and following those dates
- Labor Day weekend
- Diwali, a festival of lights celebrated in in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism
- New Year’s Eve
Local government officials could restrict the dates and times residents can discharge fireworks or ban the practice entirely.
Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland, tried to amend the bill to allow cities to opt in rather than opt out of allowing fireworks, but that change was rejected.
The proposed law also adds a 4% fee on those who make or sell fireworks to pay for firefighter training programs and expenses from administering the fireworks law. Fireworks retailers would need to provide safety glasses and safety pamphlets as well.
The bill passed the Ohio House, 66-27, on Thursday. If DeWine signs the bill, Ohioans can start shooting off fireworks 351 days from then – just in time for next Independence Day.
Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.