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For all Virginians

Ed Gillespie Calls for Legalizing Consumer-Grade Fireworks in Commonwealth

Gillespie Proposal Would Mean Virginians Could Buy and Use Real Fireworks By the Fourth of July Holiday in 2018

Five States Have Legalized, or Expanded Upon, the Sale of Consumer Fireworks Since 2011; No States Have Reversed or Tightened Their Existing Laws

As Virginians prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie today announced a plan to legalize consumer-grade fireworks in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which would generate job creation and sales tax revenue. The legal sale of consumer fireworks would add millions annually in tax revenue, and thousands of jobs to our economy.  Gillespie’s plan would take effect by July 4, 2018.

In recent years, an increasing number of states have been legalizing consumer-grade fireworks, or easing their current regulations, in order to spur job creation and generate additional economic activity. In just the past five years, New York, Maine, Michigan, Georgia and West Virginia have all taken such steps. This all occurs as data show a dramatic increase in firework safety nationally.

Speaking about his plan, Ed Gillespie noted, “We need to be looking for every possible way we can grow our economy, create good jobs, and give Virginians more personal freedom along the way. As we approach the Fourth of July we know many Virginians will travel to Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina or other states to buy fireworks that they will safely use to celebrate our nation’s independence. We’re missing out on that sales tax revenue and thousands of jobs. Statistics show that fireworks continue to get safer, and I know we can trust Virginians with the same liberties millions of other Americans now enjoy. In recent years, the State Senate has passed legislation similar to legalize consumer-grade fireworks behind the leadership of now-Congressman Tom Garrett and State Senators Bill Stanley, Bryce Reeves and Dave Suetterlein. As governor, I’ll work with our General Assembly to enact this commonsense legislation in time for next Fourth of July, so Virginians, living in the home of our nation’s Founders, can celebrate the holiday with the same freedom and liberty that millions of our fellow Americans already possess.”

This week, Gillespie demonstrated the stark contrast in available fireworks between Virginia and neighboring states, like Tennessee, which is benefiting from the positive economic impact of the legal sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks.

WATCH: Fireworks for Virginians

As it stands today, Virginians are limited to purchasing novelty fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, snakes and other non-aerial fireworks. Gillespie’s proposal, which localities can opt out of, would allow for the purchase of higher-grade, aerial fireworks, including bottle rockets, Roman candles, and more.

The ‘Fireworks for Virginians’ Plan:

  • Allows the sale of “consumer” fireworks to Virginians age 18 or over
  • Provides an opt-out provision for localities that do not want them sold or used in their community
  • Includes safety and enforcement provisions in the Code of Virginia and Virginia Administrative Code to ensure essential safety measures are established
  • Work with firefighters to ensure safe and responsible measures are adopted
  • Require that the bill and corresponding safety provisions be implemented by July 1, 2018
  • As governor, Gillespie will work with the General Assembly on the specifics of the legislation to ensure safety and enforcement provisions are thoughtfully implemented and executed. Senator Bill Stanley, Senator Bryce Reeves and Senator
  • Dave Suetterlein have introduced legislation in recent years to legalize consumer fireworks. Gillespie will work with Senators Stanley, Reeves, Suetterlein and others to ensure a thoughtful measure is put before the General Assembly.