New law allows fireworks to be detonated in state, raises taxes

A new Indiana state law legalizes fireworks for use within the state and places a tax on their sale.\n"The tax is the biggest benefit," said Roger Kerr, deputy chief of operations for the Bloomington Fire Department. "It means more money and training (for firefighters) all across the state of Indiana."\nThe law, which went into effect June 1, was signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels in March. It refines the regulations surrounding their sale and use and implements a 5 percent tax on the sale of all pyrotechnics.\nUnder the old law, consumers had to sign a statement upon purchase that they would take the items out of state or to a special discharge site for detonation. Now consumers can use them on their private property or on property where they have the owner's permission.\nThe revenue from the tax will benefit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, focusing on disaster relief and firefighter training. Currently, fire departments do not have a standardized training academy like police departments do.\n"It will be more like the police; they have regional academies," Kerr said. "Everyone will get the same level and quality (of training) despite size and location."\nSteve's Fireworks storeowner Steve Porter believes the law will be good for his sales. But the law also includes stricter rules about the locations where certain fireworks are sold and stored.\n"You won't see Steve's Fireworks all over Bloomington," Porter said. "(Sellers are limited to) 500 pounds (of fireworks) if the building wasn't used last year."\nHe explained that if that rule applied to his Ellettsville store, he could only stock about one of each pyrotechnic he sells.\nYet Porter stills believes the law will be good for business and likes the change.\n"The Indiana Fireworks Dealers Association put lobbyists in the statehouse," he said. "(Lawmakers) figured fireworks are here to stay."\nStill, Porter cautions consumers who choose to set them off.\n"Be really careful in subdivisions and trailer parks. Rockets can go anywhere. I suggest finding a rural area," he said.\nBloomington Police Sergeant Mick Williams agreed.\n"Because the fireworks are more readily accessible and usable, there's definitely an opportunity for increased injury," Williams said. "That's the biggest concern, that people aren't careful about what they're doing, where they're setting things off and endangering other people and themselves."\nPorter said he will be handing out a safety page for customers, including copies of the relevant parts of House Bill 1099, the bill regarding fireworks purchases and uses.\nDeputy Kerr said the fire department will address safety issues before the July 4 holiday.\n"Public education divisions will be putting out public safety announcements and safety programs," he said. "We've already gone through a state-sponsored program about the law and what it means for the community."\nWilliams predicts the police enforcement will change slightly, but he isn't sure how yet.\n"From our perspective, there isn't a benefit (with the law in place)," he said. "We're still going to get the same amount of calls."\nHe added the police department doesn't have a safety program and urged consumers to use the fireworks responsibly.\n"Our response is in regards to safety and disturbing of the peace as (the complaints) arise," Williams said. "We will respond to any fireworks complaint where they are disturbing the peace excessively and if there is some kind of safety issue or hazard."\nThe fire department has a different point of view, which is focused on the benefits of legalization and the training fund.\n"I really don't foresee any (negative impact), as people are already buying and setting off the fireworks," Kerr said. "I think it was happening anyway, but it just wasn't being enforced. The tax is the biggest benefit"