SENATOR JOHNSON RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR LEPAGE’S VETO OF RESPONSIBLE USE OF FIREWORKS BILL

AUGUSTA—Following Governor LePage’s veto of a bill to ensure responsible use of fireworks, Senator Chris Johnson of Somerville issued the following statement.

“Once consumer fireworks became legal, I heard from more constituents about this one issue than any other. Many Mainers complained about the disruptive noise negatively impacting children, veterans who suffer from PTSD, family pets, and farm animals. I also heard from summer residents and people with lakeshore rentals that fireworks are disrupting vacations. This bill would provide some relief for those troubled by irresponsible fireworks use,” said Senator Johnson, the sponsor of the bill.

This bill clarifies that the use of fireworks may be considered disorderly conduct subject to the discretion of law enforcement officers. District Attorneys told the Criminal Justice Committee that the way the current law is written gives a presumption that all fireworks use is acceptable within the allowed hours. The bill also prohibits the use of fireworks before noon, and whenever the governor issues a proclamation prohibiting outdoor fires.

Jon Olson, Executive Secretary of the Maine Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization, testified in support of the bill at the public hearing, stating that he receives many calls and emails from farmers about issues and problems they are facing, and since last summer, the number one issue for farmers is fireworks scaring their livestock.

The Senate will take up the veto of  LD 168, “An Act To Establish Reasonable Restrictions on the Use of Fireworks,” in the coming days. The Senate needs two-thirds, or 24 votes, to override the veto.

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