HARRISBURG – Legislation legalizing the sale of fireworks in Pennsylvania will soon be introduced in the state Senate, according to sponsors Senators Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), Don White (R-Indiana) and Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).
The legislation would lift the ban on the sale of “consumer” fireworks, known as “Class C” fireworks, and allow businesses legally operating in the state to sell consumer fireworks, such as bottle rockets, roman candles and mortars, to Pennsylvania residents without the need for a permit.
Currently, the sale of novelty fireworks is legal to Pennsylvania residents. Consumer fireworks can be purchased by non-residents.
According to a news release, the bill would permit Pennsylvanians to purchase and use Class C fireworks under parameters set forth in the legislation. The bill would also set parameters as to when fireworks can be displayed.
The legislation would generate additional revenue for Pennsylvania. In addition to the state’s current 6 percent sales tax, the legislation would also authorize an additional excise tax on the sale, which is to be directed to fire and EMS personnel.
“It’s common sense to give Pennsylvanians the same convenience as out of state residents and at the same time help to provide funds for our first responders," Vogel said in news release. “I’m looking forward to getting this prohibition off the books in Pennsylvania.”
“Some states already allow for the sale and use of consumer fireworks without obtaining a permit,” Senator Don White added. “Our legislation simply removes this administrative hurdle, while funding essential EMS and fire programs.”
“It is a fact of life that Pennsylvanians buy and use fireworks.” Sen. Yaw said. “Currently, Pennsylvanians can buy Class C fireworks in surrounding states, but not in Pennsylvania. What we are proposing is a common sense approach. Pennsylvania is losing money and jobs by limiting the sale of consumer fireworks to state residents.”
Currently, the sale of novelty fireworks is legal to Pennsylvania residents. Consumer fireworks can be purchased by non-residents.
According to a news release, the bill would permit Pennsylvanians to purchase and use Class C fireworks under parameters set forth in the legislation. The bill would also set parameters as to when fireworks can be displayed.
The legislation would generate additional revenue for Pennsylvania. In addition to the state’s current 6 percent sales tax, the legislation would also authorize an additional excise tax on the sale, which is to be directed to fire and EMS personnel.
“It’s common sense to give Pennsylvanians the same convenience as out of state residents and at the same time help to provide funds for our first responders," Vogel said in news release. “I’m looking forward to getting this prohibition off the books in Pennsylvania.”
“Some states already allow for the sale and use of consumer fireworks without obtaining a permit,” Senator Don White added. “Our legislation simply removes this administrative hurdle, while funding essential EMS and fire programs.”
“It is a fact of life that Pennsylvanians buy and use fireworks.” Sen. Yaw said. “Currently, Pennsylvanians can buy Class C fireworks in surrounding states, but not in Pennsylvania. What we are proposing is a common sense approach. Pennsylvania is losing money and jobs by limiting the sale of consumer fireworks to state residents.”
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