A bill granting cities broader authority and shorter timelines for banning fireworks advanced out of committee and now awaits a floor vote.

HB 1638 will allow cities, after consulting with a local fire marshal or other fire official, to immediately prohibit the use of consumer fireworks during periods of high fire risk. Additionally, in newly adopted language, the bill also shortens the effective date of an ordinance banning fireworks from one year to 90 days after the adoption of the ordinance.

This broader authority is welcomed as cities around the state have grappled with the legality of temporarily banning fireworks and the long wait period for a banning ordinance to go into effect.

The bill passed out the House Local Government Committee with mixed support and now awaits floor action.