PHILADELPHIA - A new Pennsylvania fireworks bill that could sentence a person to five to ten years in prison for setting off fireworks is receiving explosive feedback from people in the industry.
The proposed bill will allow municipalities to place their own restrictions on the type of fireworks that can be set off. It will also place statewide time restrictions on when fireworks can be set off to 10 a.m.
to 10 p.m., except on July 2 to July 4 and December 31, which will extend to 1 a.m. Bryan Williams, Manager at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, Pa.
says that safety has always been the number one priority of his company, but he fears that the penalties of jail time could hurt his industry. "I think it could be something that could hinder fireworks sales," said Williams. "It's something that could hinder the way people use and enjoy fireworks."The bill passed the House 160 to 38 earlier this month, and now it is being considered in the Pennsylvania State Senate.