As states navigated public safety, environmental hazards, and growing community concerns, fireworks legislation emerged as a recurring issue in the 2025 legislative sessions. Lawmakers across the country proposed and enacted changes aimed at clarifying sales periods, tightening enforcement, or, in some cases, legalizing the use of previously banned consumer fireworks. This roundup provides a state-by-state look at fireworks legislation 2025, detailing the key provisions of bills that passed—and some that did not. Whether expanding access, increasing penalties, or updating oversight, these bills demonstrate how states are adapting their fireworks laws to meet the changing needs of their local communities.

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Hawaiʻi Governor Signs Bills Strengthening Fireworks Enforcement

Governor Josh Green signed two fireworks-related bills into law in June 2025 following a series of public safety incidents, including the New Year’s Eve Āliamanu explosion and concerns following the Maui wildfires. House Bill 1483 (Act 243) increased penalties for illegal fireworks offenses, with enhanced felony charges for repeat violations or when serious injuries or deaths occur. It also added fireworks infractions to the state’s traffic adjudication system to streamline court processing. House Bill 550 (Act 244) authorized the use of drones by law enforcement to collect evidence of fireworks violations on public property. Both measures aim to improve enforcement and reduce the availability of illegal fireworks in Hawaiʻi.

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Maryland Fireworks Legislation Proposed Legalization and Taxation

Maryland House Bill 1002 would have allowed adults 18 and older to purchase, possess, and use consumer fireworks, unless prohibited by local ordinance. The bill included restrictions on use near buildings, vehicles, animal housing, and public areas. Temporary and permanent sales facilities would have required licenses and adherence to strict safety standards. The bill proposed a 16% state sales and use tax on fireworks, with revenue distributed to the general fund, the 9-1-1 Trust Fund, and the Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund. The Office of the State Fire Marshal would have overseen permitting, inspections, and compliance. HB 1002 did not pass in the 2025 session.

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Mississippi Expands Fireworks Sales and Reduces Penalties

Mississippi Senate Bill 2210, enacted in March 2025, revised the state’s fireworks regulations by expanding the permitted retail sales periods and reducing penalties for violations. Fireworks may now be sold from May 23 through July 12 and from December 5 through January 9 each year. The law maintains existing restrictions prohibiting sales to individuals under the age of twelve. It bans the ignition of fireworks near schools, hospitals, churches, and fireworks vendors, as well as from vehicles.

The bill also reclassifies violations from felonies to misdemeanors. First-time offenders may be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up to one year. Fines increase to $2,500 for a second offense and $5,000 for third or subsequent offenses, with potential jail time remaining the same. Additionally, the law allows for civil liability against violators whose fireworks cause injury or property damage, including out-of-state sellers who are required to appoint the Mississippi Secretary of State as their agent for service of process.

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Missouri Enacts Comprehensive Fireworks Safety Reforms

Missouri Senate Bill 81, signed into law in June 2025, updated definitions and safety standards for fireworks by adopting the 2022 edition of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory. It revised licensing fees and enforcement mechanisms, granting the State Fire Marshal greater authority to revoke permits or deny applications in the event of violations.

The bill restricted the sale of specific types of fireworks to licensed manufacturers and distributors. It required proof of federal licensure for all transactions involving these fireworks. It also mandated inspections of shoot sites and retail locations. It required developing building plans for new, permanent sales facilities in jurisdictions without local codes. Provisions related to fireworks were part of a broader public safety bill.

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New York Fireworks Legislation Proposes Year-Round Sales with New Licensing System

New York Assembly Bill 3353 proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework to allow the sale of consumer fireworks. For the first two years, fireworks would have been sold seasonally—from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, and from December 26 through January 2. After that, year-round sales would have been permitted at permanent retail structures. Temporary stands would be limited to specific dates and product types.

The bill outlined facility requirements for both permanent and temporary sales locations, including distance buffers from fuel stations and other fireworks vendors, fire alarms, employee training, and liability insurance. It also introduced a registration system with tiered fees and a 15% excise tax on the sale of fireworks. Large cities and counties with populations exceeding certain thresholds would have remained exempt from the requirement. Despite its detailed framework, the bill did not pass in the 2025 session.

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North Carolina Bill Would Have Legalized Consumer Fireworks

North Carolina House Bill 98 proposed a legal framework to permit the sale and use of consumer fireworks in counties and cities that passed enabling ordinances. Individuals eighteen or older would have been allowed to use fireworks, with restrictions on hours of use, proximity to sensitive locations, and authorization for use in public parks and schools.

The bill required permits for all fireworks sellers, issued through the Commissioner of Insurance. Retailers would have been subject to insurance requirements, site inspections, and compliance with fire codes. A tiered permit system with fees up to $5,000 was included, along with penalties for violations. HB 98 did not pass during the 2025 session.

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Pennsylvania Bill Seeks to Ban Consumer Fireworks Statewide

Pennsylvania House Bill 875, introduced in March 2025, aims to prohibit the sale, possession, and use of Class C consumer fireworks statewide. The bill redefines “consumer fireworks” and repeals existing sections of the law that govern licensing, taxation, and municipal regulations. It would eliminate legal access to items like firecrackers and roman candles, while still permitting novelties and sparklers.

The legislation also removes all previous licensing and inspection requirements for retail fireworks facilities. Consumer fireworks would be illegal to purchase or use under any condition, and violations would be subject to criminal penalties. As of July 2025, HB 875 has not advanced.

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South Carolina Strengthens Oversight with New Fireworks Legislation Enacted

Senate Bill 81, enacted in June 2025, modernizes South Carolina’s regulatory framework for fireworks. The law updated several key definitions related to pyrotechnics. It adopted the 2022 edition of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL), replacing the previous 2012 standard. It also revised permit and licensing fees for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, with proceeds directed to the Fire Education Fund and the Cigarette Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act Fund.

The legislation grants the State Fire Marshal expanded authority, including the ability to revoke or suspend permits if alcohol or illicit substances are found at fireworks sales locations. The Fire Marshal may also deny permits to individuals currently under suspension. They may suspend permits if retail operators refuse to comply with inspections. Applications for outdoor fireworks display permits must be submitted at least ten days prior to the event.

The law limits the sale of certain fireworks to state-licensed manufacturers and distributors. It allows sales only to other licensed entities or individuals with a valid display or pyrotechnic operator’s license. Proof of applicable federal permits is also required. The State Fire Marshal is authorized to inspect fireworks shoot sites, retail facilities, and storage areas. They must review construction plans for new permanent retail structures in areas where local building codes are not in place.

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Texas Adds Juneteenth to Legal Fireworks Sales Periods

Texas House Bill 554, signed into law in May 2025, authorizes the sale of retail fireworks on the Juneteenth holiday. In counties where the commissioners court approves, retailers may sell fireworks from June 14 through June 19. The bill also requires the Texas A&M Forest Service to monitor drought conditions during this new sales period, just as it does for other fireworks seasons.

Counties may prohibit or restrict fireworks during Juneteenth based on drought risk, provided such orders are issued by June 1. These changes add Juneteenth to Texas’s list of authorized fireworks sales periods, allowing for local discretion in implementing restrictions based on public safety concerns.

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