Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB875

Introduced
3/11/25  

Caption

In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for use of display fireworks and for use of consumer fireworks and repealing provisions relating to rules and regulations by municipality, to sales locations, to fees, granting of licenses and inspections, to refusal, suspension or revocation of license, to conditions for facilities, to consumer fireworks tax and to disposition of certain funds.

Impact

The impact of HB 875 is significant as it changes how local municipalities can govern fireworks within their jurisdictions. Specifically, while municipalities previously had the authority to impose certain limitations and requirements on consumer fireworks, the bill effectively centralizes these regulations at the state level. Consequently, local governments would face restrictions on their ability to create unique rules tailored to specific community needs regarding fireworks safety, usage times, and permits. Supporters of the bill might argue that this promotes uniformity and economic opportunity, whereas opponents could express concern about the loss of local control.

Summary

House Bill 875 aims to amend Title 3 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the regulation of fireworks. The bill seeks to clarify definitions of 'consumer fireworks' and 'display fireworks' while revoking certain municipal rules and regulations related to the use, sale, and licensing of fireworks. This legislative change intends to streamline the regulatory framework managing fireworks, ensuring consistency across counties and municipalities in Pennsylvania. By removing previous municipal constraints, the bill is positioned to facilitate greater accessibility to consumer fireworks and encourage a standardized approach to fireworks safety and usage.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 875 is mixed, reflecting concerns about balancing public safety with consumer rights. Supporters of the bill are likely to view it positively, advocating for fewer restrictions and supporting the ease of accessibility to fireworks for celebrations. In contrast, critics may be wary of the potential for increased safety risks due to weak local regulations, highlighting fears about injuries or disturbances caused by consumer fireworks, particularly in densely populated areas. The debate emphasizes the importance of safety versus freedom in consumer use of fireworks.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 875 is its potential impact on public safety education and the resources allocated for fireworks-related incidents. While the bill introduces a structure to tax consumer fireworks sales, the allocation of funds raises questions about whether adequate resources will be available to educate the public on safe fireworks use and address emergency situations that may arise from the increased accessibility of fireworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1279

In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for use of display fireworks and for use of consumer fireworks and repealing provisions relating to rules and regulations by municipality, to sales locations, to fees, granting of licenses and inspections, to refusal, suspension or revocation of license, to conditions for facilities, to consumer fireworks tax and to disposition of certain funds.

PA SB872

In fireworks, further providing for rules and regulations by municipality.

PA SB694

In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for sales locations and for Attorney General.

PA HB1170

Further providing for title of act; in purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in organization of the board, further providing for appointment and terms of members and quorum; in licenses of milk dealers, further providing for grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation; in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for expenses and for payment; and, in saving provisions, repealing provisions relating to Joint Study Committee.

PA HB154

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms and for Pennsylvania State Police, repealing provisions relating to firearm sales surcharge and to Firearm Records Check Fund and further providing for licensing of dealers and for administrative regulations.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB1750

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; in licenses and regulations, liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for heading of article, for authority to issue liquor licenses to hotels, restaurants and clubs, for sales by liquor licensees and restrictions, for secondary service area, for sale of malt or brewed beverages by liquor licensees, for public service liquor licenses, for liquor importers' licenses, fees, privileges and restrictions, for public venue license, for performing arts facility license, for continuing care retirement community retail licenses, for casino liquor license, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses, for sales by manufacturers of malt or brewed beverages and minimum quantities and for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc; adding provisions relating to fees and taxation of ready-to-drink cocktails for off-premises consumption; and further providing for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees.

PA SB746

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1322

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

PA HB1279

In fireworks, further providing for definitions, for use of display fireworks and for use of consumer fireworks and repealing provisions relating to rules and regulations by municipality, to sales locations, to fees, granting of licenses and inspections, to refusal, suspension or revocation of license, to conditions for facilities, to consumer fireworks tax and to disposition of certain funds.

VA HB484

Consumer fireworks; authorizes use, penalities.

CA SB794

Fireworks: fireworks stewardship program.

MO SB81

Modifies provisions relating to public safety

MO SB174

Modifies provisions relating to fireworks protections

CA SB277

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.

MO SB1395

Modifies provisions relating to fireworks protections

CA AB2740

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.