Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’

While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.

Illinois is one of just three states that bans most consumer fireworks, so on Independence Day Illinoisans must depend on other states to have a blast – breaking an outdated ban just to do what 94% of the country does freely.

Since 1942, Illinois residents have crossed state lines into Indiana and other Midwestern states to roam the aisles of fireworks sellers such as Krazy Kaplans to stock up on fireworks. The outdated Illinois Pyrotechnic Act bans the sale, use and even transportation of fireworks – aside from novelties such as sparklers and smoke bombs.

Illinois residents continue to buy fireworks elsewhere and smuggle them back into the state. The act of bringing them across state lines remains illegal and violators can face a Class A misdemeanor and pay fines of $75 to $2,500.

Illinois’ efforts to save Illinoisans from themselves does not include the item responsible for the greatest number of firework injuries and the youngest victims: sparklers.

The Pyrotechnic Act doesn’t make much sense. Fireworks can be dangerous if used carelessly, but this law doesn’t stop people in Illinois from buying them, it just reroutes them.

Firework consumption has been increasing and hit an all-time high in 2022 with 462 million pounds, 274 million in 2023 and 323 million in 2024. The rate of injuries per 100,00 pounds of fireworks has decreased over the years, indicating most people are using fireworks safely even as their popularity grows.

Nationwide, Americans spent $2.8 billion on consumer fireworks last year. Every Independence Day Indiana generates millions in tax revenue, including a 5% public safety fee atop the sales tax. The owner of Krazy Kaplans said Illinois residents made up 80% to 85% of his customers last July.

It’s economic activity that Illinois forfeits year after year to neighboring states.

Illinois is behind the curve legally, economically and practically. The 1942 ban is outdated and doesn’t even prohibit the most statistically dangerous firework. Illinoisans ignore the ban. As firework use has grown, most people are using them safely.

Lawmakers should stop stubbornly clinging to an 83-year-old, ineffective law that turns too many Illinoisans into scofflaws and sends revenue to surrounding states. Why should other states’ residents have all the fun – and Illinois’ revenue?