Should Fireworks Be Legal in Georgia?

If you're among the Georgians who make a fireworks run to Alabama or South Carolina each year in preparation for Independence Day pyrotechnic celebrations, you are not alone.

State Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) estimates Georgia is losing out on $10 million annually in revenue by banning the sale of fireworks, Georgia Public Broadcasting reports.

“We flock to the borders and buy fireworks that are illegal to shoot off in Georgia and yet it happens in every community,” Mullis told GPB.

Mullis introduced legislation to legalize the sale of fireworks during the last legislative session. The bill passed in the State Senate, but did not make it through the State House. Mullis, however, has vowed to renew the fight in 2014.

Mullis' legislation would impose a 10 percent tax on the sale of fireworks, the revenue from which would be evenly divided between the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.

Opponents, GPB reports, are concerned the revenue would not compensate for the increased risks to the public.

Currently, state law only allows the following:  “Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are nonexplosive and nonaerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture.”

Violations of the law can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Would you support legalizing fireworks in Georgia? Do you think the additional tax revenue is worth any added risk from allowing the sale of fireworks in the state? Have you ever seen an illegal fireworks display in your neighborhood? Let us know in the comments below.