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Fireworks bill still has spark at Minn. Capitol

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Apr 6, 2012 at 1:19 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A bill to legalize fireworks sales in Minnesota survived a House committee vote and could be back up for House and Senate votes later this month.

The Star Tribune reports Friday that the House Government Operations and Elections Committee defeated several amendments to give local governments more regulatory powers over aerial fireworks.

Minnesota already allows sale of certain fireworks including sparklers and glow-worms. The bill would legalize sale of louder and brighter fireworks like Roman candles.

Backers say thousands of Minnesotans already buy those fireworks in bordering states, but some lawmakers have raised concerns about injury and fire hazards.

A companion bill is ready for a Senate floor vote. Gov. Mark Dayton has not said if he'd sign the bill.