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Thursday, July 13, 2006

Ind. Law - More on: "Indiana's fireworks law is a blasted nuisance"

Benjamin Lanka of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today in a story headlined "Governor favors local control of fireworks." Some quotes:

As a new state law has turned almost every summer night into Independence Day, Gov. Mitch Daniels on Wednesday said he would support giving cities and towns more control to regulate fireworks use.

Daniels, in Fort Wayne to speak about the state’s budget, said he would support amending the fireworks law to allow municipalities to ban them if they desired. The current law legalizing fireworks is statewide and does not allow municipalities to ban their use.

The governor said he is a large proponent of home rule – allowing local officials to decide the best laws for themselves. He said he also will push legislation to allow local communities different taxing options to reduce the reliance on property taxes.

The governor’s support of changing the state fireworks law came a day after the Fort Wayne City Council discussed ways it could prompt the legislature to review the legalization of fireworks. * * *

Daniels said the fireworks law – passed this year – was a good one, even as a member of the audience shouted that it wasn’t because it prevented her from walking her dog or sleeping with her windows open.

The Journal Gazette also has an editorial today:
The letters that filled Tuesday’s Opinion page and continue on this page today make it clear: The new law legalizing most fireworks has diminished the quality of life for many local and area residents.

Clearly, the newly legalized home use of exploding firecrackers and rockets has greatly worsened the nighttime noise and litter related to fireworks. Indiana legislators need to reconsider the law they passed earlier this year. * * *

Ideally, Indiana would outright ban the sale and private use of all exploding and projectile fireworks. Period. They are dangerous; they are noisy; they create tons of litter. Hoosiers have plenty of opportunities to see great fireworks displays at dozens of community celebrations throughout the state.

See also this July 11th ILB entry.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 13, 2006 07:16 AM
Posted to Indiana Law