DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A bill that would legalize more fireworks sales in Iowa has won approval in the Republican-controlled state House, but its future is less clear in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The measure passed on a 53-43 vote late Wednesday. Under the proposal, retailers could sell firecrackers, roman candles and other fireworks. Currently, the state allows sales of sparklers or snakes.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, of Council Bluffs, did not say if the bill would get a Senate vote, noting that Senate Democrats had not discussed the issue.
Local governments would have some power to limit or restrict firework use. Supporters have argued that the legislation would better regulate activity that is happening anyway, noting that residents are already going to border states to buy fireworks. But critics question the safety impact.
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