The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee today (Feb. 10) held a public hearing on a bill that would legalize the sale of fireworks in Pennsylvania, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel (R-47).
Senate Bill 1055, legislation introduced by Senator Vogel and his colleagues Senators Don White (R-41) and Gene Yaw (R-23) would lift the ban on the sale of “consumer” fireworks, known as “Class C” fireworks, and allow businesses legally operating in the state to sell consumer fireworks — such as bottle rockets, roman candles and mortars — to Pennsylvania residents without the need for a permit.
“It’s common sense to give Pennsylvanians the same convenience as out-of-state residents and at the same time help to provide funds for our first responders,” Senator Vogel said. “I’m looking forward to getting this prohibition off the books in Pennsylvania.”
Senate Bill 1055 would generate additional revenue for the Commonwealth by requiring fireworks outlets to pay a $5,000 annual license fee. In addition to paying the state’s 6 percent sales tax, fireworks purchases would be subject to an excise tax with that money benefiting fire and emergency medical personnel.
“Some states already allow for the sale and use of consumer fireworks without obtaining a permit,” said Senator White. “Our legislation simply removes this administrative hurdle, while funding essential EMS and fire programs.”
Testifiers at the hearing included: Michael Smith from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Jerry Bostocky from the National Council on Firework Safety; Don Konkle from the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Institute; Danial Peart of Phantom Fireworks; Jack May of Keystone Novelties; Bob Kellner and Brian Shaub of Kellner’s Fireworks and Keystone Fireworks; and, Charles Walker of TNT Fireworks.
“It is a fact of life that Pennsylvanians buy and use fireworks,” Senator Yaw said. “Currently, Pennsylvanians can buy Class C fireworks in surrounding states, but not in Pennsylvania. What we are proposing is a common sense approach. Pennsylvania is losing money and jobs by limiting the sale of consumer fireworks to state residents.”
Written testimony from the public hearing is available at http://agriculture.pasenategop.com/.
please pass the fireworks bill its been stupid to long just pass it
New Years Eve my home was directly hit two times by large fireworks set off by the same Neighbor. I have the large empty capsules because I wanted proof of evidence in case my home caught fire. One hit the side of my home directly next to my window. The second one blew up on my roof than bounced off continuing it’s large display of colors. Uneducated, unprofessional, obnoxious morons should not be able to purchase large explosive materials. This is MY HOME, MY FAMILY in harms way. Ban all fireworks.
By the way, I have to worry about my home and my family because those same morons who hit my home twice News Years Eve will be lighting their explosives off on 4th of July.
This is so irresponsible not only from a safety standard, but from a quality of living standard. We had people around us start with fireworks a week before the 4th from sundown until well past midnight. We are now at July 17th and had yet another display last evening! It hasn’t stopped for weeks and we are so tired of hearing it! Is there not any quality of life for those of us who don’t necessarily want to hear this? Isn’t there a law that states that I am allowed the right to live peacefully in my own home? My husband and I are both healthcare providers who have early start times, so sleep for us has been limited to sometimes 4 hours which is certainly not enough when dealing with patients and decision making in our jobs. To say I am angry about this is an understatement. Those responsible for this law….Senators Don White (R-41), Gene Yaw (R-23) and Elder Vogel (R-47)…you should be held accountable for the distress this has caused. Find ways to curb your spending so the rest of us don’t have to suffer!!