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 residents are denied the legal celebration of at least one freedom on July 4, but take their fireworks dollars to every border state to ignore the law.

A petition to repeal Illinois’ fireworks ban has garnered more than 7,000 signatures, as lawmakers in the General Assembly throw their support behind a bill that would do just that.

A new bill in the General Assembly would bring consumer fireworks back onto Illinois shelves for the first time in more than 75 years.

Next year, state lawmakers should explore making rockets’ red glare a legal pastime instead of a liability.

The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.