On April 21, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians joined the more than 50 member organizations of the Ohio Fireworks Safety Coalition in expressing concerns with House Bill (HB) 172, a bill that would allow for fireworks discharge in the state of Ohio with no restrictions on time, place, and manner of discharge.
In a letter addressed to members of the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee, the coalition expressed its straightforward concerns – legalization of discharge will lead to an increase in fireworks-related injuries, property damage, and fatalities. Fireworks are inherently dangerous, and a statewide prohibition sends a clear message to Ohioans regarding these dangers. Like speed limits and distracted driving, we know that some Ohioans disregard the law and discharge fireworks anyway. This is unfortunate as it puts everyone nearby at risk. Simply legalizing something dangerous because people do it currently is not a good precedent to set.
While most states allow for some level of fireworks discharge, the coalition cautioned against pursuing open-ended discharge as prescribed in HB 172. Many states place safeguards and limits on the times and dates of discharge, restrictions on aerial devices, or allow for more robust local regulation.
In the waning weeks of the 133rd General Assembly, a compromise was reached on HB 253 that actually moved our coalition to neutral. The letter concludes with a statement that this compromise is a far better way forward on this policy discussion.
HB 172 passed out of the House Committee on Commerce and Labor by a vote of 9-0 and may soon be considered by the Ohio House of Representatives.