Cutrona Supports Late Rep. Manning's Fireworks Legislation

State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) today supported House Bill 253, which makes several changes to the fireworks law across the state. The Ohio House passed the legislation and Cutrona indicated his support of the bill.

“I understand that the late Don Manning was fighting for this legislation as one of the primary sponsors,” said Cutrona. “With the Fourth of July exactly a month away, these revisions are very timely and will help with safely legalizing and regulating fireworks throughout Ohio.”

Specifically, House Bill 253 establishes the Ohio Fire Code Rule Recommendation Committee, whose role will be to review the fireworks law and make recommendations to the State Fire Marshal.

The committee will meet for three months prior to issuing their report to the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal will then have three months to write the rules to safely regulate fireworks in Ohio. 11 months after the legislation becomes law, fireworks will be legal in Ohio with the Fire Marshal’s rules.

The bill also establishes the following:

• Prohibits the discharge of fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
• Requires retailers to provide safety pamphlets to customers with the purchase of fireworks;
• Allows local governments to restrict the dates and times that a person may discharge fireworks; and
• Establishes a 4 percent consumer fee on all fireworks that goes towards firefighter training programs and administration of the Fire Marshal’s fireworks law.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.