TOPEKA — A change in state law allows Kansans to buy and sell fireworks for two weeks before Independence Day, but local ordinances still restrict when they can be set off.
The Legislature expanded the previous nine-day window for fireworks sales earlier this year. Retailers can now sell fireworks from June 20 to July 7.
Mark Engholm, the state fire marshal, encouraged Kansans to be cautious about using fireworks and to check city and county rules before purchasing or discharging fireworks.
“Also, as Kansans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I want to emphasize the importance of using fireworks safely and responsibly,” Engholm said.
Lawmakers for years have entertained proposals to allow year-round fireworks sales. This year, they expanded the window as part of a package of legislation bundled into Senate Bill 199 at the end of the session.
The House passed the bill by a 68-53 vote, followed by a 28-12 vote in the Senate. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill into law on April 8.
THE OWNER of Jakes Fireworks and the principal of a Catholic school in Wichita, where fireworks sales are an annual fundraiser, testified in support of expanding the window for legal sales, which previously was June 27 to July 5. The legislation also allows for “permanent retailers” to operate from “permanent structures,” as opposed to seasonal retailers with pop-up tents.
Engholm testified the bill would result in more injuries and losses to fire each year. A private citizen testified against the bill because fireworks can be a trigger for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Other provisions in the bill designate a memorial near the Kansas Firefighters Museum in Wichita as the Fallen Firefighters Memorial of Kansas and establish a Kansas Firefighters Memorial Council.
