This morning the House Regulatory Reform committee reported House Bill 4743, a bill that adds some new provisions into the existing Michigan Fireworks Safety Act.

The committee substitute combined House Bills 4743 and 4744 to allow local units of government to regulate consumer fireworks between midnight and 8 am on the day before, of and after a national holiday. You will recall that the current statute prohibits local regulation on the date before, of or after a national holiday.

The legislation also ensures fireworks safety fees will go into training for fire departments for the enforcement of the Act.

The intent is to have this legislation to the Governor before the 4th of July to give local units time to pass ordinances regulating fireworks. The bill will now be considered by the full House.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org