Georgians would no longer have to cross state borders to purchase fireworks under legislation approved in the state House on Monday.
By a vote of 119-49, the House approved House Bill 110, sponsored by Rep. Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla. It lifts the state ban on the sale of bottle rockets and other so-called consumer fireworks. Every state that borders Georgia, save North Carolina, allows the sale of fireworks, Roberts said, who expects the bill to generate 1,000 to 1,500 new jobs.
Several Democrats, including Reps. Margaret Kaiser of Atlanta and Mary Margaret Oliver of Decatur, argued the bill will lead to children being injured or maimed. .
HB 110 would allow businesses and non-profits to pay a licensing fee and sell the popular explosives. The bill would also create a new excise tax of 5 percent on every sale, in addition to state and local sales taxes.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
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