The Michigan Legislature passed a bill that would allow municipalities to restrict the use of fireworks around national holidays.

HB 4743, sponsored by Rep. Harold Haugh (D-Roseville), would allow local units of government to enact ordinances banning overnight use of consumer fireworks on the day before, of, or after a national holiday. Local governments currently have the authority to limit usage on all other days of the year.

In 2011 a law was enacted allowing licensed vendors to sell bottle rockets, aerial cakes, Roman candles and firecrackers in the state. The increased use of these high-powered, airborne fireworks resulted in local governments receiving numerous noise and safety complaints. However, local units were powerless to address these grievances under existing state law.

Under House Bill 4743, a city with a population of 50,000 or more and a local unit within a county of 750,000 or more could prohibit fireworks between 12 a.m. and 8 a.m. on all holidays except New Year’s when celebrations could be extended until 1 a.m.  Smaller communities could only set regulations between the hours of 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. on all days.

Individuals violating these restrictions could face a maximum civil fine of $500.

The bill was sent to Gov. Snyder for his signature. He is expected to sign House Bill 4743 prior to the Fourth of July holiday.