Backyard Fireworks Could Soon Be Legal In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — It may soon be legal to buy and set off backyard fireworks in Ohio. A bill legalizing Ohioans right to discharge fireworks at any time passed the Ohio House this week.

The legislation would allow Ohioans to legally purchase fireworks and then set them off, whenever they want, on their property. Should the bill pass the Ohio Senate, a committee of fire chiefs would be convened to create rules for safely discharging fireworks.

The Ohio House passed the bill by a vote of 77-17. The Ohio Senate will now consider the legislation.

Currently, Ohioans can purchase fireworks but must set them off outside of the state, according to WMFJ. That prohibition would end should this new legislation pass.

Under the proposed bill, a portion of the taxes generated by fireworks sales would go to safety training, the Dayton Daily News reported.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ohio Fireworks Safety Council have both urged lawmakers to not legalize backyard fireworks, saying they pose a health risk.