Discharging fireworks in Ohio moves closer to reality

COLUMBUS — The Fourth of July for Ohioans could come with a little more bang in 2022 if the Ohio Senate approves legislation passed by the House on Thursday.

House Bill 172 would remove the statewide ban on the discharge of fireworks.

“Every year, the Fourth of July is marked with family picnics and parades as a way to celebrate our nation’s birthday and the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” Rep. Brian Baldridge, R-Winchester, said. “Even with all this, each and every year brings disappointment when Ohio’s citizens cannot legally and honestly discharge fireworks as a means of celebrating with family, friends and neighbors.”

Ohioans legally can buy fireworks in the state but cannot set them off, but that rarely seems to stop them. Discharging fireworks in the state is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Baldridge’s bill, which was co-sponsored by state Rep. Michael O'Brien of Warren, D-64th, adds a 4 percent fireworks safety fee on the gross sale of fireworks and creates the Ohio Fire Code Rule Recommendation Committee to advise in the rulemaking for fireworks.

The safety fee would go toward the state fire marshal designing fireworks safety material, increasing enforcement and regulation on the fireworks industry and helping to supplement the cost of firefighter training classes for local fire departments.

The state fire marshal’s office also would be required to design a fireworks safety pamphlet for retailers to use at points of sale to educate consumers on safety precautions.

HB 172 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

This story was originally published May 8, 2021 at 9:33 AM with the headline "Discharging fireworks in Ohio moves closer to reality."