City of Philadelphia - File #: 200409

• File #: 200409
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 6/25/2020
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Title: Calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reverse the legalization of the sale of "consumer fireworks" in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
6/25/2020	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Moved to Be Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar - Rules Suspended

Title
Calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reverse the legalization of the sale of "consumer fireworks" in the State of Pennsylvania.

Body
WHEREAS, In 2017, House Bill 542 legalized the sale of "consumer fireworks" in the state of Pennsylvania. "Consumer fireworks" include firecrackers, Roman candles, sparklers, and bottle rockets; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, Philadelphia legalized the use of ground-based fireworks, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and other "consumer fireworks"; and

WHEREAS, The purchase and sale of "consumer fireworks" as well as the recent use of other explosive devices creates several enforcement and safety issues in Philadelphia. Over three weeks this month, the Philadelphia Police Department has gotten nearly 1,000 emergency calls complaining about a "boom" or "explosive" sound. Police responded to 135 explosive events, including about 50 attacks on ATMs caused by homemade M100 or M250 explosive devices. One man died in his attempt to blow up an ATM, and another man was arrested for using Instagram to sell homemade dynamite to break into ATMs. This reminds us of the dangers of both fireworks and illegal firecracker-like explosives, when in 2018, a 9-year old Philadelphia girl suffered life-altering injuries after an M80 explosive detonated in her hand while she was home alone. Both the Philadelphia police and fire departments attempt to respond to fireworks-related complaints but are often unable to file charges or cite residents as it is difficult to locate who is igniting or discharging fireworks and other explosives illegally, and where someone may be igniting or discharging them illegally; and

WHEREAS, The sale of airborne "consumer fireworks," including Roman candles and bottle rockets, is only allowed at brick-and-mortar stores. However, fireworks, both legal and illegal, are often brought into Philadelphia neighborhoods for resale and use without the guarantee that those younger than 18 years of age are not usi...