Senator Rupp: Fireworks Law

(State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-, has released his weekly column for the week of April 2. The opinions expressed in the column are those of Sen. Rupp and do not reflect the views of the Wentzville Patch. —Ed.)

Protecting the Quality of Fireworks Shows

With only six full weeks left of the 2012 legislative session, it’s vital to move beneficial measures forward. In my role as a state senator, I feel a responsibility to endorse legislation that will protect Missourians’ liberties and ensure citizens have the opportunity to enjoy a prosperous and enriching life in our state.

In our Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee hearing this week, my colleagues and I considered a bill that once again addresses the issue of maintaining our state’s rights from over-reaching federal government regulations. The legislation pertains to how many citizens throughout the Show-Me State celebrate our country’s independence. Senate Bill 835 addresses the distribution and possession of fireworks in Missouri by aiming to protect the status quo on what fireworks can be distributed and used in Missouri’s public firework shows and events. The federal government changed classifications in its law regarding fireworks, and currently, Missouri’s fireworks law don’t mirror these new regulations. As a result, many fireworks commonly used for 4th of July fireworks celebrations are now illegal in Missouri. In order to continue our state’s talented fireworks shows, we would need to align our laws with the federal government’s laws.

I’m glad this issue was brought to our attention in committee. This is yet another scenario that highlights the point that the federal government has too much control and has the ability to step in our state’s business. I have always been a proponent of protecting our sovereign state and keeping the federal government out of our business as much as possible. It’s important to remember that our country was founded upon liberty for all, and we need to honor our constitutional rights — particularly the 10th Amendment, which states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Especially when you consider Independence Day celebrations, a time meant for family fun and honoring our free nation, we shouldn’t have to think of our firework shows classified as illegal due to federal government regulations.

Thank you for reading this legislative column, and as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you or to our community. Also, I hope you and your family enjoy a very blessed Easter weekend. Whether you’ll spend the day at church, participating in an Easter egg hunt, or enjoying a delicious meal, I hope you have the chance to spend some quality time with loved ones. Thank you and God Bless. —Scott Rupp