Fireworks bill changed to address concerns

A Minnesota House committee has retooled a bill aimed at expanding the types of consumer fireworks that can be sold throughout the state. The bill now would allow local governments to impose reasonable restrictions on the hours and locations of retail fireworks sales.

Some lawmakers had raised concerns they'd heard from local government leaders about the bill, which would allow the sale of larger and more powerful fireworks in Minnesota, during a House floor debate earlier in the week.

So the House Government Operations and Election Committee approved the changes in the bill today.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, said the changes to the bill should satisfy those concerns.

"This would make sure that there is some local control, make sure that fireworks are not being sold just every where you look. Cities can control that," said Kriesel.

But some city leaders testified that they're still concerned about the impact bigger fireworks will have on local law enforcement. Kriesel said he hopes the bill will be back on the House floor for another vote as soon as possible.