Last week, the Ohio Senate’s Transportation, Commerce, and Workforce Committee held a hearing on House Bill (HB) 253. Amendments were introduced by legislation sponsor, Senator Dave Burke (R-Marysville, OH), and they were approved by the committee. A summary of amendments proposed by the sponsor to address the safety concerns of the Ohio Fireworks Safety Coalition follow:
- A statewide prohibition on consumer discharge of fireworks is retained
- The provision to allow local governments to opt-out of legalized consumer discharge 365 days/year has been replaced with an opt-in for local governments to allow discharge in their jurisdiction – but on only July 3, 4, or 5 – through local legislative action
- The provision to allow retail locations such as big box stores and supermarkets to sell ground sparklers/fountain devices has been removed.
HB 253 is scheduled for two hearings in the Ohio Senate Transportation, Commerce, and Workforce Committee this week. The first hearing was held on December 8, at 10 a.m. and the second will be held on Wednesday, December 9, at 4:30 p.m. (or after session).