Ohio’s ban on setting off bottle rockets, Roman candles and other consumer-grade fireworks would be abolished under legislation introduced Monday in the state Senate.
Senate Bill 386, however, would still allow local governments to ban such fireworks. The measure also would impose a 6-percent fee on fireworks sales, the proceeds of which would go toward firefighter training and increased enforcement of fireworks law.
Fireworks dealers would also have to provide customers a state-issued pamphlet about proper use of fireworks and a pair of plastic safety goggles for free or at a nominal cost.
Currently, Ohio law allows the sale of sparklers and other small novelty items. State residents are allowed to buy larger consumer fireworks as well, but only if they sign an affidavit swearing that they will take them to another state within 48 hours.
In an interview, Sen. Dave Burke, a Marysville Republican sponsoring the bill, said Ohioans widely flout the ban already. As long as fireworks usage remains against the law, he said, state officials can’t do much to promote safety.
Sen. Burke represents Marion County at the Statehouse.
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