ATLANTA—State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today called for the repeal or amendment of House Bill 110, or the Fireworks Bill. Passed during the 2015 legislative session, HB 110 legalized the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Georgia.
“While I respect and appreciate the right of residents to celebrate our nation’s independence, the law goes too far and encroaches upon the rights of others,” said Rep. Waites. “In particular, the law allows for celebrating until 2 a.m. on July 5th and January 1st, and until 12:00 a.m. on the remaining 363 days of the year. That is simply too late for many residents and citizens.”
HB 110 legalizes and sets parameters for the distribution, transportation and retail sale of consumer fireworks. The legislation defines consumer fireworks in accordance with the regulations set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Mission. It is now lawful in the state of Georgia for any person over the age of 18 years old to use, detonate, possesses, manufacture or transport consumer fireworks.
“Theresa Middlebrooks, one of our community leaders, called on Sunday morning and explained that she had received dozens of calls from residents, some of whom reached out to local authorities, about the fireworks activities that lasted until 4am,” 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,” said Rep. Waites, “but we must respect the rights of all citizens.”
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 and Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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