State Sen. Chapin Rose: Legalize Fireworks

A state senator is trying to legalize fireworks in Illinois. With fireworks readily available in neighboring states, State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet has attempted to get a bill passed on more than one occasion. He just can’t get Democrats on board

Rose said, “With the massive decline in state revenues due to the COVID, this would be an easy way to pick up some sales tax dollars and put some people to work in our state and they are just not interested.” Fireworks are illegal in Illinois, however, Rose said fireworks are present in the state and is simply losing tax revenue to surrounding states that sell them.

Rose estimated that legalizing fireworks would bring in about $10 million a year in sales tax revenue. Any sort of legalization of fireworks is opposed across the state by fire safety groups as they say they have already seen enough injuries. It is a bad idea to legalize fireworks according to Bloomington Fire Chief Brian Mohr.

“I enjoy a fireworks show, I like them,” Mohr said. “I think they are entertaining, but unfortunately they are dangerous and there needs to be a higher level of experience before someone is setting them off.” Misusing fireworks-risks are high and real. There is an average of 8,000 fires caused by the improper use of fireworks every year according to the Illinois State Fire Marshall.

Since 1935, under the Fireworks Regulation Act, Fireworks are banned in Illinois. Fireworks retailers in communities in other states near Illinois’ borders often report numerous Illinois license plates in their parking lots.