December 15, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – December 15, 2021 – After today’s joint Pennsylvania House and Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs committee hearing on fireworks law, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) provided the following statement:
“Today’s hearing was useful. We heard directly from local government officials, law enforcement officials, and a representative for fireworks retailers. I believe everyone at the hearing agreed that things need to change, but the next step in the process is unclear. The state legislature alone created the problems we’re seeing, not only in Berks County but statewide, in terms of fireworks. We must be willing to acknowledge that and take action. Increased local control was repeatedly referenced as a potential solution short of a full repeal of consumer-grade fireworks. This may be a path forward, but the undue burdens the state is placing on local first responders and the Pennsylvania State Police would still need to be addressed. Additionally, stiffening penalties would go a long way towards enforcing the current law, which is routinely flouted.”
“My position on this issue has been shaped in large part by constituents speaking out. In Berks County, the feedback from constituents has been overwhelming, consistent, and very clear. People want something to be done about this. There has been a disconnect between Harrisburg and what is happening elsewhere in Pennsylvania over the past few years when it comes to fireworks. Continuing to slow walk changing the law or insisting that this is just an enforcement issue doesn’t do anything for people who are fed up with inaction. We created the problem, it’s time for us to take ownership of that fact, listen to constituents, and work together to find solutions. After today’s hearing, I’m more optimistic we can get something through the legislature and finally take ownership of this.”
Earlier this year, Sen. Schwank introduced SB 757, which would repeal the sale of consumer-grade fireworks.
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June 29, 2020
Harrisburg, June 29, 2020 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) will soon introduce legislation to repeal the Fireworks Act of 2017. The legislation is inspired by municipalities and police and fire departments across the Commonwealth who are unable to mitigate resident complaints about fireworks that are lit day and night – causing property damage, emotional distress to children and pets, serious injuries and sleepless nights.
“I’ve heard from many constituents who are unhappy with the increase in booms, bangs and ear-splitting explosions throughout the year,” Schwank said. “This law is broken, and it needs to be repealed. Too many of our residents are getting hurt and even killed.”
Across the country, a special study estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated by emergency room departments during a 1-month period from June 21, 2019, to July 21, 2019. Children under 15 accounted for about 36 percent of the estimated injuries.
In 2019, Schwank introduced legislation to grant municipalities the authority to regulate and limit the use of fireworks in their cities, boroughs and townships. The bill, SB 827, was never moved from the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the problem has become so significant across the commonwealth simply modifying the original legislation is not sufficient.
The legislation to repeal the Fireworks Act of 2017 is yet to be introduced as Schwank is currently seeking additional support for the bill from other members of the Pennsylvania Senate.
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July 17, 2019
Harrisburg, July 17, 2019 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is proposing legislation to grant municipalities the authority to regulate and limit the use of fireworks in their cities, boroughs and townships.
Schwank has received many complaints about the use of fireworks after the 2017 enactment of the state Fireworks Law, which she voted against. The law allowed for easier access to larger and more disruptive fireworks.
“While I’d prefer to ban all of the higher powered fireworks, I recognize that a statewide repeal is likely not going to happen,” Schwank said. “But this legislation would allow local municipalities to impose ordinances such as what days and at what times they will allow fireworks.”
Over Fourth of July in Reading alone, police and firefighters responded to dozens of calls blamed on fireworks, including one fire that caused more than $50,000 damage to a middle school roof and another that left a family homeless.
“My legislation will reaffirm municipal governments’ historic authority to regulate peace, safety and order in their communities,” Schwank said.
The legislation is yet to be introduced as Schwank is currently seeking additional support for the bill from other members of the Pennsylvania Senate.
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