COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 172 on Monday which will permit the use of consumer-grade fireworks for select holidays and holiday weekends. 

What You Need To Know

  • The use of consumer-grade fireworks is currently prohibited in Ohio

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill that will permit the usage of consumer-grade fireworks on select holidays and holiday weekends

  • He previously vetoed a similar bill

  • The bill also eliminates a requirement that Ohioans must transport fireworks out of the state within 48 hours

DeWine previously vetoed legislation that would have permitted some usage of consumer-grade fireworks on holidays but said House Bill 172 addressed some of his concerns over previous legislation. 

“(HB 172) limits the discharge of fireworks to the more traditional holidays that Ohioans celebrate, while recognizing our numerous culturally diverse holidays,” DeWine said. “The compromise bill also reduces, by half, the allowable increase in showroom size originally offered in Senate Bill 113, while requiring enhanced fire sprinkler systems.  The measure further prohibits the discharge of fireworks while in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances or on another person’s property without that person’s permission.”

Last month, 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.

Starting July 1, 2022, the public will be permitted 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. 

After July 1, 2022, the public can launch 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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