After a 34-2 vote Wednesday, legislation to expand consumer fireworks in Nebraska has passed to the next stage in the Unicameral.
Local firework businesses say it’s a good first step, but there’s work to be done. Firework stores in Nebraska said there was a boom in business last year after firework shows were canceled.
Although business was good, 76 Warroom owner, Seth Rye, said people still go to neighboring states to buy fireworks.
“A lot of those folks are really stealing the business from Nebraskans who are starting small retail businesses and we’d just like to get our hands back into it,” Rye said.
That’s because firework laws in Missouri are in line with federal laws. State senator Julie Slama, who introduced the bill, wants to change Nebraska’s laws to a similar standard.
“All you need to do is look at the 2019 sales revenue in Nebraska compared to Missouri,” Sen. Slama said.