fireworks

Legislators in Lansing pass fix to Michigan’s fireworks law

Jake Neher — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:46:51 +0000

A bill to fix Michigan’s fireworks law is headed to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk. The state Legislature passed the legislation almost unanimously.

Last year, state lawmakers legalized high powered fireworks for consumer use. That sparked thousands of complaints from across the state about loud blasts into the early morning hours.

Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) is the bill’s sponsor. He says he’s received thousands of complaints about loud blasts into the early morning hours.

"So we tried to take all of the inputs that we could and put it into a common sense approach," explained Haugh. "And obviously with the votes, my colleagues in both the House and Senate – both Democrat and Republican alike – agreed with what we had put together."

The bill would allow local governments to prohibit overnight fireworks use on and around national holidays. Municipalities are already able to restrict fireworks the rest of the year.

Haugh says he expects Governor Snyder to sign the bill in time for July Fourth.

Warren's mayor unimpressed by "window dressing" changes to fireworks law

Tracy Samilton — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:34:15 +0000

It could be a long, hot, NOISY summer in Warren, Michigan, along with many other communities.

The city's mayor, Jim Fouts, is one of the most vocal critics of the state's one-year-old fireworks law, which permits individuals to purchase commercial-grade fireworks, and set them off the day before, the day of, and the day after ten major holidays.

He says a modification to the law being considered by the state legislature will do no good.

Lansing tries to silence fireworks

Steve Carmody — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:45:33 +0000

Lansing has joined other Michigan cities in clamping down on the use of exploding fireworks.

Last Summer, neighborhoods in Lansing and many other Michigan cities sounded like mini- war zones, as many residents took advantage of a new state law allowing larger, consumer grade fireworks to be bought in the state.

But while the fireworks were very popular among those setting them off, many other residents were upset that their summer nights were disturbed by constant bangs, whizzing and explosions, long after the Fourth of July.

Michigan House Panel to assess state's fireworks law

Rick Pluta — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:01:30 +0000

A state House panel will look at how Michigan’s new fireworks law is working, and could recommend changes.

There have been complaints about loud explosions late into the night since the law was passed earlier this year.

State Representative Harold Haugh wrote the law, which allows retailers who buy a license to sell more-powerful fireworks. It also preempts any local fireworks bans on the day before, the day of, and the day after 10 national holidays.

Haugh says the law is a success, and it does not stop local governments from enforcing noise ordinances.

Newly-expansive fireworks law lets some businesses, landowners cash in

Sarah Cwiek — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 22:15:57 +0000

Michigan’s newly-loosened fireworks law has meant an extra boon for some local businesses and landowners this summer.

It’s hard to tell just how much that law has really boosted fireworks sales. But its impact is visible along Woodward Avenue just north of Detroit, where outdoor fireworks stands have popped up alongside the road.

At one site in Royal Oak, a bright-yellow container shell advertises things like Roman candles and artillery in huge letters.