ATLANTA – State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today pre-filed legislation to amend the Fireworks Bill, HB 110, which was passed during the 2015 legislative session and legalized the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Georgia. HB 721 would amend the current law by changing the times and locations in which consumer fireworks can be used.
“While I respect and appreciate the right of Georgia residents to celebrate our nation’s independence through the use of fireworks, I believe the new law goes too far and encroaches upon the rights of others,” said Rep. Waites. “For example, the law allows the use of fireworks until 2 a.m. on July 5 and January 1, and until 12:00 a.m. in residential communities on the remaining 363 days of the year. That is simply too late for many residents and senior citizens.”
HB 721 would prohibit the use of consumer fireworks within 50 feet of residential communities, as well as prohibit their use after midnight in residential communities. Under HB 721, fireworks usage would be limited to the following holidays: News Years, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
“Since the debacle on the Fourth of July, I have received dozens of emails and phone calls from Georgia’s senior citizens, pet owners, horse owners and those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from across the state pleading for common sense adjustments to the existing fireworks legislation,” said Rep. Waites. “In addition to the noise nuisance, HB 110 has also created a new burden for law enforcement officials who are already faced with limited man power and resources. I am not trying to turn the clock back on the new legislation recently passed by the General Assembly; I actually voted in support of the legislation and welcome the new industry. However, I simply would like to see the legislature make some friendly amendments to HB 110 that respects the rights of all citizens and creates a safer environment in which we can all enjoy fireworks in Georgia.”
For more information on HB 721, please click here, or call (404) 538-3479.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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