Politics & Government

Lt. Governor Signs Fireworks Bill, Dearborn Residents React to Legislation

The bill allows local governments to prohibit the use of consumer fireworks between midnight and 8 a.m. during holidays.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed legislation this week 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 will have a 1 a.m. fireworks deadline on any national holiday and the days before and after. Fines of up to $500 could be imposed for individuals who do not comply.

"Regulations for days and times would be great," resident Lynn Derose-Perie wrote on Dearborn Patch's Facebook page.

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Resident Nancy Hool said she was pleased to hear about the legislation.

"(The fireworks) drive me crazy, especially the super loud ones. I'll be in bed reading and boom, I jump out of my skin ... it's just too late. There should be an enforceable stop time," she said.

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Dearborn's noise ordinance is still in effect during the holidays. The ordinance states that noise in residential areas not exceed 60 decibels from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; not exceed 55 decibels from 7 to 10 p.m.; and not exceed 50 decibels from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to call 313-943-3030 to anonymously report unsafe activity in their neighborhood, or to call 911 if there is a dangerous or emergency situation.

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.


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