Utah lawmakers approve bill to allow fireworks on New Year’s Day

SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah State House Political Subdivisions Committee unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday that would make fireworks legal during daytime hours on New Year’s Day.

H.B. 378 sponsor, Rep.Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, said in Tuesday’s meeting that she recently learned that fireworks were only allowed on New Year’s Eve this year.

“On New Year’s Eve it was a little drizzly in our area…and I started looking at code…to see if you can do fireworks the next day…and realized that New Year’s Day is not included,” Pierucci said.

The current state code allows for fireworks on Dec.31 from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day.

This proposal would allow for fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on January 1.

“It’s…a wetter time of the year,” Pierucci said. “New Year’s Day is a major holiday…this should be included.”

While the bill passed unanimously in the committee hearing, Rep. Paul Cutler, R-Centerville, did speak up for one of his constituents.

“I just want to go on record that my dog is opposed to this bill,” Cutler said.

Pierucci responded, “My cat is too.”

The bill now goes to the full House.

Eye on the Hill:

• Proposed bill would eliminate Unified Police Department

• Per capita water consumption bill passed in House

• Bill allowing pregnant drivers to use HOV lane fails in committee

Follow @AdamSmallKSL