Communities get more control over fireworks

LANSING, Mich. — Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today signed legislation that allows local governments to prohibit the use of consumer fireworks between midnight and 8 a.m. on the day before, day of, and day after national holidays.

“This is a common-sense bill that respects the preferences of communities by letting local authorities decide when fireworks can and cannot be used,” Calley said.

A local unit with a population of 50,000 or more, or a local unit in a county with a population of 750,000 or more will have a fireworks deadline of 1 a.m. only on New Year’s Day. A local unit with a population of less than 50,000, or a local unit in a county with a population of less than 750,000 have 1 a.m. fireworks deadlines on any national holiday and the days before and after. Fines of up to $500 could be imposed for individuals who do not comply.

House Bill 4743, sponsored by state Rep. Harold Haugh, also guarantees all of the fees that vendors pay for fireworks safety go toward local firefighter training programs.
The measure is now Public Act 65 of 2013.

Calley also signed three remaining bills in a package that allows the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute of Arts to receive 100 percent of millages that help fund those institutions.

HB 4459, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Townsend, prohibits a Downtown Development Authority from capturing regional property taxes imposed to subsidize the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute for the Arts. It is now Public Act 66 of 2013.

HB 4460, sponsored by state Rep. Phil Cavanagh, prohibits a Brownfield Development Authority from capturing regional property taxes imposed to subsidize the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute for the Arts. It is now PA 67.

HB 4462, sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Farrington, prohibits a “corridor improvement” authority from capturing regional property taxes imposed to subsidize the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Institute for the Arts. It is PA 68.

Gov. Rick Snyder is on a trade mission to Israel this week. Article V, Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor when the governor is outside the state.

Visit www.legislature.michigan.gov for more information on the bills.