Prospects Brighten for Expanded Fireworks in Minnesota

The state House has moved a step closer to allowing Minnesotans greater access to legal fireworks.

The House passed the fireworks bill Monday on a vote of 77-50. It allows people to legally buy and set off more fireworks, including bottle rockets and other aerial devices.

The window for using them would be from June 1 to July 7. Minnesota now permits low-gauge fireworks that don’t fly through the air.

The House debated but didn’t vote on an amendment to prohibit use of fireworks under the influence of alcohol and drugs, especially when children are present.

The Senate has approved a different version of the fireworks bill, meaning there will be at least one more vote before it goes to Gov. Mark Dayton. The Democratic governor hasn’t declared his intentions.