East Ridge fireworks bill advances in Senate

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

NASHVILLE - Senators today shortened the fuse on a bill allowing fireworks sales in East Ridge, moving the proposed effective date from July 1, 2012, to Jan. 1, 2012.

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"It was pointed out to me by Commerce Committee members that July 1, 2012 would be three days before the Fourth of July," the bill's sponsor, Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, told Finance Committee members. "Someone suggested I might want to back that up."

The bill was amended to do that, giving East Ridge merchants an additional six months of sales, including the entire lucrative pre-July 4 season.

Another amendment was attached that required two-thirds approval of the East Ridge City Commission before sales would be legalized. Both amendments differ from a version of the bill moving through the House.