Senator Bonacic Announces That His Bill to Allow Cities in Orange County to Opt-Out of Fireworks Sales Has Been Signed Into Law

(Middletown, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that his bill, S.6683, which would allow the three cities in Orange County the ability to opt-out of fireworks sales has been signed into law by the Governor. The use of certain ground based fireworks, or “sparkling devices”, was authorized in Orange County via a Local Law in 2015. With Orange County being so close to Pennsylvania, where many more firework devices are legal, there was an increase in the usage of both legal "sparkling devices" and "illegal fireworks" in the County. This caused a steep increase in the number of police complaints. Subsequently, Orange County requested legislation that would allow the three cities, Middletown, Port Jervis, and Newburgh, the ability to opt-out of selling fireworks.
 
“The use of fireworks in the three cities in Orange County caused safety issues and an overburden on local police departments,” said Senator Bonacic. “Working with my partners in local and state government, I’m pleased to say that we have addressed this issue to give the three cities proper autonomy”
 
Said Orange County Legislature Chairman L. Stephen Brescia, “I want to thank Senator Bonacic for sponsoring this legislation that was requested by the County Legislature to give the cities in Orange County the option of not selling fireworks.  We felt it necessary to request this bill after a number of safety issues arose, and I appreciate the Governor signing it into law.”
 
The law will take effect immediately.