Fireworks expansion bill lands on Dayton’s desk

Published 10:28 am Wednesday, April 25, 2012

ST. PAUL — It’s now up to Gov. Mark Dayton to decide if Minnesota holiday revelers can light up the sky with more powerful backyard fireworks.

The Minnesota Senate voted 48-17 on Tuesday to legalize aerial fireworks and devices with more bang than are permitted now. The bill expands on a 2002 law that let people set off lower-grade novelty fireworks.

Dayton told Minnesota Public Radio that he is “genuinely undecided” on the bill after hearing from fire chiefs and others raising safety concerns.

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Supporters argued that people are buying the fireworks in neighboring states and setting them off illegally.

The bill sets a five-week window starting June 1 where the devices can be bought and used. It also would give cities power to enact some local restrictions.