Civic Register
| 7.4.19
Illinois Bans Fireworks - Should More States?
Do you support limiting firework sales?
What’s the story?
- Illinois is one of four states that bans residents from buying or using fireworks. Those violating the 1942 Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act could face fines of up to $2,500 and up to a year of jail time. Sparklers, small noisemakers, and smoke bombs are acceptable.
- Other states with similar restrictions include Ohio, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
- Anything that leaves the ground or explodes has been illegal to sell or set off in Florida since 1941. However, residents (and sellers) of the Sunshine State can get around this law by claiming they’re using the fireworks for “agricultural use” to frighten birds from crops.
What are people saying?
- Illinois has tried legalizing fireworks in the past, but proposed bills have always failed.
- Opponents of fireworks legalization bills cite safety concerns and the dangers around commercial grade fireworks. A 2017 report from U.S. Consumer Safety Commission, however, found there were less injuries from fireworks (over 12,000 injuries in 2017) than from tipped furniture and children’s toys.
- Others reasons people may be in favor of the ban relate to veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and animals and children who may be disturbed by the noise.
- The fireworks ban in the Land of Lincoln has not stopped residents from traveling to border states to purchase their Roman Candles.
- “We get quite a few Illinois residents,” said Deanna Delimat, director of operations at Black Bull Fireworks in Delavan Wisconsin. “Depends on which store it is, but at the ones near the border, I’d say up to 70 percent of our business is Illinois residents.”
- “Illinois, it’s time to face the truth,” Dahleen Glanton wrote in a recent op-ed in the Chicago Tribune. “That 77-year-old law banning fireworks isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Clearly, the ban isn’t working, and nobody wants to see our overwrought police officers taking time away from fighting real crimes to enforce such a ridiculous law.”
What do you think?
Should more states place limitations on purchasing and using fireworks? Why or why not? Tell your reps, then share your opinions below.
—Veronica You
(Photo Credit: iStock / nd3000)
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