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Transportation and use of any consumer fireworks such as
firecrackers or bottle rockets is deemed a Class A misdemeanor,
which is punishable by fines up to $2,500.
Ground sparklers typically emit sparks and can also have noise
effects like crackles and whistles.
State Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island, has introduced a measure
that would allow for the sale of ground sparklers in Illinois to
anyone over the age of 18.
During a recent committee hearing, Matt Murphy with Mac
Strategies said allowing ground sparklers may keep some
Illinoisans from buying elsewhere in Missouri, Wisconsin or
Indiana.
“That's one less person that's gone across the border and buying
far more dangerous fireworks that even under this bill will
still be illegal in Illinois,” Murphy said.
Margaret Vaughn with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance said the
legislation could lead to consequences.
“The unintended consequences of this, the catastrophic injuries,
the deaths that are going to result in this is something no one
would want as part of their legislative record,” Vaughn said.
There are some who want to lift Illinois’ fireworks ban. State
Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, has been a champion in the effort,
saying the state is missing out on millions of dollars in sales
tax revenue each year.
Meanwhile, Indiana has some of the most lenient fireworks laws
in the country. Anyone 18 and older can buy and use fireworks
from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on non-holidays and later on holidays. A
large part of fireworks stores business is from neighboring
Illinois.
The ground sparkler bill was passed out of committee.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for the
Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news
reporting throughout the Midwest.
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