Georgia’s new law legalizing fireworks prompted widespread complaints about late-night explosions during the July 4th weekend, and now a state lawmaker wants to puts some limits on noisy celebrants.
Rep. Keisha Waites, D-Atlanta, prefiled House Bill 721, Tuesday, just two days before tonight's New Year's Eve celebration. The legislation would be considered during the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 11.
Lawmakers passed a law during the 2015 session legalizing the sale and possession of fireworks. It took effect July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July festivities. Georgians are allowed to set off fireworks any time between 10 a.m. and midnight for most of the year and until 2 a.m. around New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July.
Waites’ bill would limit the use of fireworks in and near residential areas. In some areas, they couldn’t be set off on big holidays after 10 p.m., under the legislation. The bill also would allow local governments to set new restrictions.
Waites said she’s received dozens of emails and phone calls from senior citizens, pet owners and others complaining about the late-night Fourth of July weekend fireworks.
Since Waites is a Democrat, her bill may not get far in the Republican-dominated General Assembly. But lawmakers are likely to consider some kind of restrictions on the use of fireworks this session.
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