Lawmakers Push To Expand Minnesota Firework Sales

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota House passed a bill Monday evening to legalize some fireworks that you can't buy in the state right now.

If the bill becomes law, you might be able to get some of the more powerful fireworks by the Fourth of July.

Minnesotans by the thousands cross the borders into Wisconsin and North Dakota on Independence Day to get fireworks that are banned in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Supporters of the legislation say that costs Minnesota $5 million in lost taxes.

The new bill would allow Minnesotans to buy audible and aerial fireworks like big bottle rockets and some firecrackers, and local governments could ban sales if they choose.

Supporters call it a vote for personal freedom, but Gov. Mark Dayton is very skeptical.

"If somebody takes fireworks and blows off their own arm, or blows off a child's arm standing nearby or whatever, I want the state of Minnesota to say 'You are doing that illegally,'" Dayton said.

Rep. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) is sponsoring the new fireworks legislation.

"We can pass many laws that [are] not going to make people safe," he said. "So this is about giving them that freedom -- that ability -- to do something without worrying about being cited for it."

The bill would allow Minnesota merchants to create those "pop up" fireworks stores we see around Independence Day. However, it would not allow the sale of some of the heavy artillery fireworks found in Wisconsin shops.