Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoes bill legalizing consumer fireworks

COLUMBUS – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have allowed residents to set off fireworks on certain holidays. 

DeWine, a Republican, did not want to legalize fireworks in Ohio without more language to ensure Ohioans are kept safe. 

In his veto message, DeWine referenced a 1996 incident in Scottown, in Lawrence County, where nine people died in a fire at a fireworks store. He noted Senate Bill 113 didn’t require safety measures recommended in the wake of the tragedy while doubling the allowable square footage of fireworks stores.

“SB 113 would be a dramatic change in Ohio law, which would make Ohio one of the least restrictive states in regard to fireworks laws,” DeWine wrote in the veto message.

Fireworks are a threat to those who don't handle them properly. In 2020, 12 of the 18 deaths reported that year were the result of misuse, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.