By Stu Johnson
Frankfort, KY – Get your earplugs ready. This year's 4th of July festivities in Kentucky may be louder and longer than in years past. That's because state lawmakers have made it legal to buy fireworks previously sold only in states like Tennessee or Indiana. Senator Kathy Stein voted no on the bill.
"The kinds of fireworks that people drive to Tennessee to get I remember from my youth are typically more dangerous for children," Stein says. "I just think it's not a real good idea."
Senator Damon Thayer spoke in favor of the bill. "We know of many people out there who have to go to other states to buy their fireworks and they're taking their business there, they're taking their tax dollars there," says Thayer.
Money from licensing fireworks will go toward safety training and education. Scott County Senator Damon Thayer says the licensing procedure will also allow authorities to know where and fireworks are made and where they're stored. Under the legislation no one under age 18 can buy fireworks. The bill is being considered by Governor Beshear.