Could Fireworks Be Legal in Mass.?

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

A former state representative, now teacher, is pushing for a 2016 ballot referendum that would legalize fireworks in Massachusetts.

Andy Metzger from State House News Service reported that Rich Bastien is driving the effort for this measure, which would legalize firecrackers and bottle rockets. This would allow stores to sell sparklers, while the high powered type would be carried by specialty stores.

The new measure would also carry with it stricter penalties than the current state law does.

“Whether you like fireworks or you don’t like fireworks, now that we’re completely surrounded by states that sell them, the ban doesn’t work,” Bastien told State House News.

The proposed question for the ballot was submitted to the attorney general on Wednesday. To get this on the ballot, 64,750 signatures would need to be collected.

The entire proposed measure can be found on Make Consumer Fireworks Legal in Massachusetts’s Facebook page.

The state adopted the Model Fireworks Law in 2006, and Massachusetts is one of four states with a full fireworks ban.

Do you think fireworks should be legal in Massachusetts? Share in the comments section below.