Minn. Senate passes fireworks bill

The Minnesota Senate has passed legislation to expand the types of consumer fireworks that can be sold and used throughout the state.

Before Tuesday's vote of 41-22, opponents argued the bill would create public safety problems throughout the state. Sen. Michel Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, said his bill would prevent cities and counties from outlawing aerial fireworks. But Jungbauer insisted that local governments would still have some room to regulate.

"You can control things under nuisance ordinances, under safety, health and safety ordinances and even under fire prevention type ordinances," Jungbauer said. "So cities that will come to you and say 'We can't control things' and 'Things are going to get out of hand' and 'Woe is us' are not telling you the truth about this bill."

The Minnesota House took up a similar bill two weeks ago, but sent it back to committee for another look. A floor vote in the House is still pending.