COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both chambers of the Ohio Legislature passed legislation on Wednesday that would allow for some usage of fireworks on certain holidays.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Legislature passed legislation that would legalize the use of consumer-grade fireworks on some holidays

  • If approved, the bill would go into effect July 1, 2022

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine previously vetoed a bill to allow the use of fireworks on holidays

  • The legislation has enough support in the General Assembly to potentially override DeWine’s veto

The Ohio House passed House Bill 172 by a 72-24 margin and the Senate approved it by a 26-5 ledger. 

The legislation had broad support from the GOP House and Senate caucuses as all but four Republicans voted in opposition. The legislation also had the support of a handful of Democrats. 

The bill now goes to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, but his signature might not be necessary. The House and Senate can override a veto by a three-fifths majority. 

Starting July 1, 2022, the legislation would allow the public to launch consumer-grade fireworks on a number of major holidays, including Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. The legislation, however, would allow municipalities to restrict or prohibit the use of consumer-grade fireworks. 

The legislation would also eliminate a state law that requires fireworks purchased in Ohio to be transported out of the state within 48 hours.

The bill would continue to prohibit the use of commercial-grade fireworks by the public. It would also criminalize anyone negligently using fireworks while intoxicated or under the influence. It would also prohibit the public from negligently using fireworks on someone’s property without proper permission. 

DeWine previously vetoed a similar bill that also would have legalized the use of fireworks on certain holidays. 

If signed into law, House Bill 172 would permit the use of consumer-grade fireworks on the following holidays: 

  • New Year’s Day
  • Lunar New Year
  • Cinco de Mayo
  • Memorial Day Weekend
  • Juneteenth
  • July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays before and after July 4
  • Labor Day Weekend
  • Diwali
  • New Year’s Eve

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