By Rick Pluta and Linda Stephan
Some state lawmakers are already discussing possible changes to Michigan’s new fireworks law, which allows consumers to buy more powerful fireworks than they could before this summer.
Complaints about explosions, whistles, and other noises going late into the night have flooded phones and e-mail inboxes of state officials since the law was changed. Complaints spiked in the days before and after July Fourth and Governor Rick Snyder’s constituent office reports at least 2,000 complaints.
Action from the state Capitol is not expected anytime soon. The governor’s communication director says the state is communicating with local governments on what they can do under the new law.
“So local municipalities understand what they can do already to implement some of the noise restrictions and those types of things on days other than the actual holiday, the day before the holiday, and the day following the holiday,” says Geralyn Lasher.
State law forbids local governments from enforcing noise ordinances and other fireworks restrictions on or on days adjacent to national holidays.
At least one northern Michigan sheriff is already lobbying local state lawmakers for a change. Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider says counties have fewer options than do townships and municipalities. He says a statewide curfew on fireworks would be better than trying to enforce a patchwork of different restrictions throughout his county.
The next national holiday is Labor Day at the beginning of September. The Legislature is scheduled to meet only two days between now and then.
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