With Independence Day right around the corner, we’ll soon begin seeing those large colorful tents popping up all across highways or at the outskirts of towns. Those tents, as we all know, are chock-full of fireworks, which will soon be legally available for sale statewide beginning June 20 and running through July 10.
Fireworks are a big business in the Show Me State — Missourians spend more on fireworks per capita than any other state in the country, and it’s not even close. But a new state law will soon update Missouri’s firework regulations for the first time in over two decades.
What does this mean for Missouri firework buyers? Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Missouri’s new fireworks laws: Senate Bill 81
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 81 on June 10. The bill includes various provisions in regard to public safety, including expanding criminal background checks, continuing funding for emergency response preparedness and modernizing fireworks regulations.
More specifically, it updates Missouri’s fireworks laws to the latest standards set by the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory, giving firework businesses clearer legal definitions on how to operate in the state.
The bill also gives the Missouri Fire Marshall greater oversight to inspect any location — including areas without local fire codes — where fireworks are stored, kept or sold, as well as places where fireworks are discharged. The Fire Marshal can also now suspend or revoke permits if they’re denied an inspection or if there’s evidence of alcohol and/or drug use at retail sites. Permits for public fireworks displays will also need to be submitted to the Fire Marshal at least 10 days in advance.
Additionally, the bill mandates that “certain fireworks” can only be sold and/or bought by individuals who hold appropriate certifications. Fees collected through fireworks enforcement will also now be used to help fund fire safety and prevention programs, as well as training for firefighters across the state.
What does this mean for consumers?
Although SB 81 will have a big effect on Missouri’s fireworks industry, it’s hard to say what kind of effect — if any — it’ll have on the average person buying fireworks. The law doesn’t go into effect until Aug. 28, meaning it won’t impact the upcoming 2025 Fourth of July season.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 4th of July fireworks: New Missouri law changes state fireworks rules