COLUMBUS — Ohioans will be able to set of fireworks — legally — on more than half a dozen holidays a years under a bill signed into law Monday by Gov. Mike DeWine.
The move closes a long-exploited loophole in Ohio law, which formerly allowed residents to purchase fireworks in the state but not set them off and which was routinely ignored.
DeWine vetoed a similar measure in July, citing concerns that it did not address some safety issues, but signed this new version.
“I worked with the General Assembly to arrive at a compromise that included changes I wanted to see in the legislation,” The Republican governor said in a statement released by his office.
The law limits days for setting off fireworks to several holidays including New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day Weekend, Juneteenth, days on and around July 4, and the Hindu festival of Diwali.
“The bill I signed…limits the discharge of fireworks to the more traditional holidays that Ohioans celebrate, while recognizing our numerous culturally diverse holidays,” DeWine said.
The new law also allows local communities to restrict or ban the use of fireworks.