In my life of more than 50 years the ban has never been effective. Now you can buy fireworks at popup stands all over the place so what is the point? It would also take business away from Indiana. Fun benefit.
Gosh yes. Remove the ban, regulate and tax. People are getting them anyway. Just please no social equity initiatives that fail miserably and drag on for years and years like they did with pot. Do it right or don’t bother.
There’s a reason why we have these laws in place and it wasn’t because prior elected leaders hated fun and weren’t patriotic.
Letting anyone purchase and store explosive and incendiary devices is not great public policy and let’s not pretend like we’ll only have responsible use when we don’t have that now.
As much as it doesn’t discourage my neighbors from setting off fireworks every night for the entire week surrounding holidays, I certainly don’t want more people doing it.
Fireworks are still bad, and like the other two, if we tax them, they’ll still be bad. I doubt there will ever be a Fireworks Anonymous, but as Keyrock says above, keeping them illegal will reduce the number of injuries.
I’m called the Curmudgeon because I think it’s kind of dumb to exchange your money for loud, annoying noises.
Similar to gambling restrictions, it may be time to acknowledge that firework restrictions do not effectively act as a deterrent. Might as well take the added revenue (I’ll admit I have no idea how much additional revenue is actually at issue)
No. In addition to the injury concerns noted above, grew up in several “water poor” states where fires are a real concern. With climate change, droughts are more likely, increasing fire risk.
Some of y’all are acting like the public policy problem is people using fireworks when they’re not supposed to and not the damage caused by forest fires and structure fires. Never mind the additional injuries to folks who misuse them or their victims.
I voted no. I don’t think the ban is particularly effective, but eliminating it might signal to some that fireworks are safe. I know my reasoning is probably a bit lame on this.
Chapin Rose needs the fireworks sale ban so he can continue to be outraged about it.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:20 pm:
Voted yes. I have spent holidays involving fireworks (like the 4th) in other states over the years. It’s basically legal everywhere else in other states. The difference between folks shooting fireworks from their backyards in other states and folks shooting fireworks near my backyard in this state is absolutely zero. So what have we banned here? Nothing.
I voted no, but i would like to see police departments enforcing the ban. Instead many just post “dont call us for fireworks” type messages on social media.
I voted no as I find the amount of illegal activity going on all summer long in our area to be bad enough as it is. I’d love to see greater enforcement of the illegality
No.not that police enforce it…I know of one neighborhood with a fireworks display put on and most of the people running it are cops….but fire on my roof scares me. also ever talk to er personnel about the 4th of july? it’s not just a season of The Pitt. er personnel HATE the holiday because there’s lots of idiotic behavior with fireworks. keep the ban.
2) I can drive 30-40 minutes to Cape Girardeau or Charleston Missouri and buy whatever I want. So, in effect, there is no ban down here.
- Senator Clay Davis - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:50 pm:
::. Just please no social equity initiatives that fail miserably and drag on for years and years like they did with pot::
Haha, this is exactly something Illinois would do. Then lawmakers would spend a month touting it in the media. It would take the Department three years to finalize rules and run the RFP. 60% of the eventual winners would essentialy be fronts for national fireworks conglomerates. “Krazy Kaplan’s Equitable Labor Fireworks for All” would dominate the market, which would cost 30% more than Indiana.
=Get rid of the ban - lost tax revenue to WI and IN and no one enforces it.=
This. Everybody around here goes down 55 to St Louis and stocks up…. I dont understand the “no” votes who then follow up with basically “everybody is doing it”. Ok. so you’re saying the ban is pointless.
- Red Line Rambler - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:02 pm:
Shoutout to the firework industry’s lobbying team. Former Deputy Minority Leader Matt Muphy has been putting tireless hours into this on behalf of his client! If he can’t do it, no one can!
I moved here from Iowa. In Iowa they were banned until a few years ago. One side effect when living in suburban areas, it is impossible to distinguish between gunshots and fireworks. There was a person who was shot and no body reported it because the sound was presumed fireworks. Not to mention the constant trauma that explosions cause to animals and Veterans. And the nuisance to citizens and property damage. Imagine spent glowing hot explosive by-product raining on your house or vehicle. We know there are people who will not use responsibly. I was so glad to be leaving all that in Iowa when I moved here.
Over here in Quincy, we also cover Hannibal, MO. Last year, the city council in Hannibal lifted its ban on fireworks within the city limits (since they’re legal in MO) specifically for the 4th of July weekend.
In the previous five years leading up to the change, the fire department there had a total of 7 fireworks-related calls.
In the 3-day period fireworks were allowed last year (July 3-5), the fire department has five calls for fireworks-related fires, including a two-story residence that was destroyed.
They changed the city ordinance back to a full ban inside the city limits the following week.
This past Independence Day a neighbor shot a firework into a window of another neighbor. Lots of fire and smoke damage. She has still not been able to return to her home. No never.
To those arguing that laws aren’t enforced. I moved here from Des Moines Iowa. After living in Springfield for over a year now I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard fireworks since moving. In Des Moines it was a daily occurrence throughout the summer. Removing the law would create problems gauranteed.
Torn about this, but at the end of the day: just because Wisconsin and Indiana allows something, doesn’t mean we should. While I wish we could capture that revenue, if we truly do believe these are unsafe items for the general public we should maintain the ban.
That being said…seeing that this is a straight 50/50 debate, this would be an excellent “keep them distracted” debate for a future General Assembly after the nonstop Bears conversations end.
Voted yes. Same justification as cannabis… those who want to do it find a way regardless of any “ban,” it’s mostly safe with proper restrictions, and it will generate more revenue for the state.
What ban? I have lived in Illinois for over 74 years. Every year my town smells like a war zone. Fireworks have been going off half the night for over a week.
My neighbors put on a fireworks show that rivals a professional gig…we sit in our front yard until we can’t stand the gun powder smoke…they must spend thousands of dollars on fireworks?
The local fireworks show around the Fourth of July scares the crap out of my dog. I startle easily as a result of past trauma. Imagine the effect on veterans dealing with PTSD. For these reasons I say keep the ban, and work with local law enforcement to minimize the use of fireworks under local ordinances.
The border states which sell fireworks also rank t in the top 5 nationally for fireworks injuries. The majority of amateur fireworks come in from overseas and don’t meet CPSC standards and are basically defective products which leads to them malfunctioning so much. There were 13,000 injuries last year and 15 fatalities (including 3 in IL). Unlike a sprained ankle, fireworks injuries are often catastrophic and result in dismemberments and years of skin grafting and scars, which the victim and their loved ones have to suffer through the rest of lives. There are over 100 professional pyrotechnic shows in the Chicagoland area this weekend that families can enjoy instead of spending it in the E.R. Keep them illegal!
The ‘rockets’ red glare’ has symbolized American freedom since 1931. Responsible, legal amateur fireworks allow families to celebrate that tradition safely and proudly. If not dial 911.
You might convince me to allow the use for a few days around the fourth, but I’d suggest those who want to allow it all the time talk to some folks with PTSD. It’s a scourge on them and on pets for it to be more than a few days a year.
Absolutely not. Illegal fireworks in the Chicago are already a scourge around the 4th of July. Making them legal to purchase and use would only encourage more of the same. If keeping fireworks illegal in this state is only a small deterrent to more people joining in, it’s worth it to me.
As a retired Firefighter, I’ve seen way too many injuries from fireworks. Unlike the professionals hired by municipalities, when the amateurs in the neighborhoods are blowing them off at 2a.m., it’s usually accompanied by heavy drinking. Not a good combination. Leave it to the professionals.
I worked in the fire service for 40 years and witnessed way too many fireworks injuries. Municipalities spend thousands of dollars to host professional fireworks displays. These displays continue to be the best option for the observation of safe displays prepared by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Leave it to the professionals!
Keep fireworks out of the hands of amateurs.
In my forty years in the fire service I has witnessed way too many injuries as a result of fireworks. Municipalities across the state host professional fireworks displays in part to discourage use of fireworks by untrained, and unlicensed people. Leave the fireworks up to the professionals! Keep fireworks out of the hands of the untrained.
- LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 10:39 am:
Illinois’ current fireworks laws prioritize public safety while still allowing residents to enjoy professionally conducted displays. Expanding consumer fireworks would likely increase preventable injuries, fires, property damage, and demands on fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies. Professional displays are conducted by trained, licensed operators with appropriate safety measures, significantly reducing risk to spectators and surrounding communities. Legalization would also create enforcement challenges and increase noise and quality-of-life concerns for residents, veterans, pets, and vulnerable populations. The existing laws provide a balanced approach that protects lives, property, and emergency resources while preserving opportunities for safe community celebrations.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:37 pm:
In my life of more than 50 years the ban has never been effective. Now you can buy fireworks at popup stands all over the place so what is the point? It would also take business away from Indiana. Fun benefit.
- Keyrock - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:41 pm:
I voted no. My aunt received serious leg injuries from kids throwing fireworks.
The ban certainly doesn’t eliminate fireworks, but keeping fireworks illegal does reduce the number of injuries.
- Save Ferris - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:41 pm:
I like not worrying if my roof is going to go up in flames due to a teen neighbor’s roman candles.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:43 pm:
Not unless you believe that having 10 fingers leaves plenty to spare.
- Apple - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:45 pm:
Gosh yes. Remove the ban, regulate and tax. People are getting them anyway. Just please no social equity initiatives that fail miserably and drag on for years and years like they did with pot. Do it right or don’t bother.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:47 pm:
There’s a reason why we have these laws in place and it wasn’t because prior elected leaders hated fun and weren’t patriotic.
Letting anyone purchase and store explosive and incendiary devices is not great public policy and let’s not pretend like we’ll only have responsible use when we don’t have that now.
- Diane - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:47 pm:
As much as it doesn’t discourage my neighbors from setting off fireworks every night for the entire week surrounding holidays, I certainly don’t want more people doing it.
- Big Dipper - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:49 pm:
Seeing as people have no self control and set them off at 2 and 3 a.m. I voted no.
- Jack in Chatham - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:50 pm:
No, keep the ban. The neighbors illegal fireworks scare my dogs and wake up the neighbors children. It is a noise nuisance.
- btowntruth from forgottonia - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:55 pm:
No.
Big Dipper beat me to it.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:57 pm:
Voted no.
Gambling was “bad,” until we could tax it.
Marijuana was “bad,” until we could tax it.
Fireworks are still bad, and like the other two, if we tax them, they’ll still be bad. I doubt there will ever be a Fireworks Anonymous, but as Keyrock says above, keeping them illegal will reduce the number of injuries.
I’m called the Curmudgeon because I think it’s kind of dumb to exchange your money for loud, annoying noises.
- Sox Fan - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 1:59 pm:
Similar to gambling restrictions, it may be time to acknowledge that firework restrictions do not effectively act as a deterrent. Might as well take the added revenue (I’ll admit I have no idea how much additional revenue is actually at issue)
- Bears Fan - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:01 pm:
I voted yes to remove the state ban but municipalities should be able to ban the sale and/or use of fireworks if they want to
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:05 pm:
No. In addition to the injury concerns noted above, grew up in several “water poor” states where fires are a real concern. With climate change, droughts are more likely, increasing fire risk.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:05 pm:
Some of y’all are acting like the public policy problem is people using fireworks when they’re not supposed to and not the damage caused by forest fires and structure fires. Never mind the additional injuries to folks who misuse them or their victims.
- Hmmmm - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:07 pm:
No. SO sick of the fireworks and guns pouring over the border from Indiana.
- Leslie K - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:08 pm:
I voted no. I don’t think the ban is particularly effective, but eliminating it might signal to some that fireworks are safe. I know my reasoning is probably a bit lame on this.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:08 pm:
Never cared for the ban until I moved to redneck land. We have to put up with fireworks for weeks. Of course, they’re not worried about others sleep.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:08 pm:
I voted no. And I would vote a big yes to enforcing the law
Yes I am a grumpy old man but I did not like them when I was a kid
- ChicagoVinny - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:14 pm:
I voted no. It’s too easy to accidentally start structure and brush fires from fireworks.
- Stix Hix - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:16 pm:
Voted No.
Chapin Rose needs the fireworks sale ban so he can continue to be outraged about it.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:20 pm:
Voted yes. I have spent holidays involving fireworks (like the 4th) in other states over the years. It’s basically legal everywhere else in other states. The difference between folks shooting fireworks from their backyards in other states and folks shooting fireworks near my backyard in this state is absolutely zero. So what have we banned here? Nothing.
- Cyclone89 - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:20 pm:
I voted no, but i would like to see police departments enforcing the ban. Instead many just post “dont call us for fireworks” type messages on social media.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:22 pm:
Get rid of the ban - lost tax revenue to WI and IN and no one enforces it.
- Steve M - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:23 pm:
I voted no as I find the amount of illegal activity going on all summer long in our area to be bad enough as it is. I’d love to see greater enforcement of the illegality
- Lurker - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:34 pm:
Not only did I vote no but I’d like to see serious enforcement. The negatives are just too much compared to the positives.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:38 pm:
No.not that police enforce it…I know of one neighborhood with a fireworks display put on and most of the people running it are cops….but fire on my roof scares me. also ever talk to er personnel about the 4th of july? it’s not just a season of The Pitt. er personnel HATE the holiday because there’s lots of idiotic behavior with fireworks. keep the ban.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:38 pm:
=Some of y’all are acting like the public policy problem=
You can already purchase some fireworks legally in Illinois.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:44 pm:
Yes. Then again,
1) I live in a very rural area
2) I can drive 30-40 minutes to Cape Girardeau or Charleston Missouri and buy whatever I want. So, in effect, there is no ban down here.
- Senator Clay Davis - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:50 pm:
::. Just please no social equity initiatives that fail miserably and drag on for years and years like they did with pot::
Haha, this is exactly something Illinois would do. Then lawmakers would spend a month touting it in the media. It would take the Department three years to finalize rules and run the RFP. 60% of the eventual winners would essentialy be fronts for national fireworks conglomerates. “Krazy Kaplan’s Equitable Labor Fireworks for All” would dominate the market, which would cost 30% more than Indiana.
- Kevie Kev - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 2:58 pm:
=Get rid of the ban - lost tax revenue to WI and IN and no one enforces it.=
This. Everybody around here goes down 55 to St Louis and stocks up…. I dont understand the “no” votes who then follow up with basically “everybody is doing it”. Ok. so you’re saying the ban is pointless.
- Red Line Rambler - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:02 pm:
Shoutout to the firework industry’s lobbying team. Former Deputy Minority Leader Matt Muphy has been putting tireless hours into this on behalf of his client! If he can’t do it, no one can!
- Murph - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:04 pm:
Just legalize ground-based sparklers. Sensible middle ground.
- Think Again - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:09 pm:
The firework ban is just about as effective as the law that required semi-auto rifle owners to voluntarily self-register with the ISP - lift it.
- Concerned transplant - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:22 pm:
I moved here from Iowa. In Iowa they were banned until a few years ago. One side effect when living in suburban areas, it is impossible to distinguish between gunshots and fireworks. There was a person who was shot and no body reported it because the sound was presumed fireworks. Not to mention the constant trauma that explosions cause to animals and Veterans. And the nuisance to citizens and property damage. Imagine spent glowing hot explosive by-product raining on your house or vehicle. We know there are people who will not use responsibly. I was so glad to be leaving all that in Iowa when I moved here.
- Mike Sorensen - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:23 pm:
Over here in Quincy, we also cover Hannibal, MO. Last year, the city council in Hannibal lifted its ban on fireworks within the city limits (since they’re legal in MO) specifically for the 4th of July weekend.
In the previous five years leading up to the change, the fire department there had a total of 7 fireworks-related calls.
In the 3-day period fireworks were allowed last year (July 3-5), the fire department has five calls for fireworks-related fires, including a two-story residence that was destroyed.
They changed the city ordinance back to a full ban inside the city limits the following week.
Take it for what you will, mileage may vary.
- Peters Piece - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:28 pm:
This past Independence Day a neighbor shot a firework into a window of another neighbor. Lots of fire and smoke damage. She has still not been able to return to her home. No never.
- Concerned transplant - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:28 pm:
To those arguing that laws aren’t enforced. I moved here from Des Moines Iowa. After living in Springfield for over a year now I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard fireworks since moving. In Des Moines it was a daily occurrence throughout the summer. Removing the law would create problems gauranteed.
- NIU Grad - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:31 pm:
Torn about this, but at the end of the day: just because Wisconsin and Indiana allows something, doesn’t mean we should. While I wish we could capture that revenue, if we truly do believe these are unsafe items for the general public we should maintain the ban.
That being said…seeing that this is a straight 50/50 debate, this would be an excellent “keep them distracted” debate for a future General Assembly after the nonstop Bears conversations end.
- Proud Papa Bear - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:47 pm:
No
I’m generally a “as long as it doesn’t affect me, do want you want” guy.
This does affect me. I have enough trouble sleeping as it is.
- James of Little Italy - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 3:55 pm:
I voted “no”. I don’t have a strong opinion for a change.
- Vote Quimby - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 4:04 pm:
Voted yes. Same justification as cannabis… those who want to do it find a way regardless of any “ban,” it’s mostly safe with proper restrictions, and it will generate more revenue for the state.
- reelpro - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 4:45 pm:
What ban? I have lived in Illinois for over 74 years. Every year my town smells like a war zone. Fireworks have been going off half the night for over a week.
- Dotnonymous x - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 5:07 pm:
My neighbors put on a fireworks show that rivals a professional gig…we sit in our front yard until we can’t stand the gun powder smoke…they must spend thousands of dollars on fireworks?
- stateandlake - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 5:37 pm:
The local fireworks show around the Fourth of July scares the crap out of my dog. I startle easily as a result of past trauma. Imagine the effect on veterans dealing with PTSD. For these reasons I say keep the ban, and work with local law enforcement to minimize the use of fireworks under local ordinances.
- Negatory - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 6:09 pm:
Voted “No.”
My vote was influenced by seeing a man with two missing fingers caused by mishandling fireworks as a youth.
- Daisy - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 6:10 pm:
The border states which sell fireworks also rank t in the top 5 nationally for fireworks injuries. The majority of amateur fireworks come in from overseas and don’t meet CPSC standards and are basically defective products which leads to them malfunctioning so much. There were 13,000 injuries last year and 15 fatalities (including 3 in IL). Unlike a sprained ankle, fireworks injuries are often catastrophic and result in dismemberments and years of skin grafting and scars, which the victim and their loved ones have to suffer through the rest of lives. There are over 100 professional pyrotechnic shows in the Chicagoland area this weekend that families can enjoy instead of spending it in the E.R. Keep them illegal!
- BOOM-BOOM - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 6:24 pm:
The ‘rockets’ red glare’ has symbolized American freedom since 1931. Responsible, legal amateur fireworks allow families to celebrate that tradition safely and proudly. If not dial 911.
- In_The_Middle - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 7:01 pm:
No. Because some people won’t have all 10 fingers after this weekend.
- Cable Line Gardener - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 7:03 pm:
No-I will live with the permanent scars in my one eye. We were too young and the ’safe’ firewood was defective. Leave it to the professionals.
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 7:22 pm:
You might convince me to allow the use for a few days around the fourth, but I’d suggest those who want to allow it all the time talk to some folks with PTSD. It’s a scourge on them and on pets for it to be more than a few days a year.
- Benjamin - Wednesday, Jul 1, 26 @ 9:52 pm:
Absolutely not. Illegal fireworks in the Chicago are already a scourge around the 4th of July. Making them legal to purchase and use would only encourage more of the same. If keeping fireworks illegal in this state is only a small deterrent to more people joining in, it’s worth it to me.
- Lumpy Rutherford - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 7:49 am:
As a retired Firefighter, I’ve seen way too many injuries from fireworks. Unlike the professionals hired by municipalities, when the amateurs in the neighborhoods are blowing them off at 2a.m., it’s usually accompanied by heavy drinking. Not a good combination. Leave it to the professionals.
- Geo#1 - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 10:22 am:
I worked in the fire service for 40 years and witnessed way too many fireworks injuries. Municipalities spend thousands of dollars to host professional fireworks displays. These displays continue to be the best option for the observation of safe displays prepared by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Leave it to the professionals!
Keep fireworks out of the hands of amateurs.
- Geo1 - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 10:33 am:
In my forty years in the fire service I has witnessed way too many injuries as a result of fireworks. Municipalities across the state host professional fireworks displays in part to discourage use of fireworks by untrained, and unlicensed people. Leave the fireworks up to the professionals! Keep fireworks out of the hands of the untrained.
- LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 10:39 am:
Illinois’ current fireworks laws prioritize public safety while still allowing residents to enjoy professionally conducted displays. Expanding consumer fireworks would likely increase preventable injuries, fires, property damage, and demands on fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies. Professional displays are conducted by trained, licensed operators with appropriate safety measures, significantly reducing risk to spectators and surrounding communities. Legalization would also create enforcement challenges and increase noise and quality-of-life concerns for residents, veterans, pets, and vulnerable populations. The existing laws provide a balanced approach that protects lives, property, and emergency resources while preserving opportunities for safe community celebrations.
- Joel Severin - Thursday, Jul 2, 26 @ 11:50 am:
“Should the state lift its ban on the purchase and use of fireworks.” NO Way