Measure would outlaw fireworks that leave ground

Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999 | 9:13 a.m.

"We're the last state in the union to have a state fireworks control law," says Chowning, D-North Las Vegas.

The bill would allow such things as sparklers, cones, fountains "and everything that is stationary and doesn't leave the ground," she said. Fireworks that shoot into the air, posing fire hazards upon touchdown, would be outlawed.

Opponents of AB160 say the bill would take away discretion by counties in the regulation of this industry. In the past, legislators have been uncomfortable with giving the state fire marshal authority over all the counties.

Critics also say AB160 would still permit Indian tribes to sell any kind of fireworks while restricting private businesses.

This is the third effort by Chowning to put added regulations on the industry.

Taxpayers, she said, pay a "heavy freight" for putting out fires caused by these dangerous explosives. In Washoe County, she noted it cost $700,000 to extinguish two fires set off by illegal fireworks on Peavine Mountain.

If the bill passes, a person who uses or stores the illegal fireworks could be penalized by the state fire marshal for the cost of the investigation, for the cost of putting the fire out, and for the cost of confiscating and disposing of the fireworks.

The bill was referred to the Government Affairs Committee.