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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 15, 2020 11:28 AM
From:	Senator Robert M. Tomlinson and Sen. Scott Martin
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Fireworks Law

Please join me and Senator Scott Martin in reintroducing legislation to modify our current fireworks law. Our offices have been receiving many complaints about fireworks activity from residents, especially seniors, veterans, parents with small children, and people with pets. Pennsylvania legalized the use of certain consumer fireworks two years ago and since that time the number of complaints regarding noise and firework injuries have increased. We believe we can make adjustments to the law to allow for the use of fireworks while helping to ensure public safety and peace. Specifically the legislation: Offers guidance to local governments on reasonable controls for the sale and use of fireworks. Implements reasonable constraints on the times of day that fireworks can be discharged. Provides notice to consumers purchasing fireworks that there are state requirements for setbacks for use, permission to use property, timeframes for use, etc., and that there may be further municipal limitations. Increases the criminal penalties for selling or using consumer fireworks in violation of the Act. This legislation was cosponsored last session by Senators Mensch, Collett, Blake, Scavello, Baker, Brewster, Browne and Santarseiro, as Senate Bill 854.

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