Many people celebrate the New Year with fireworks and in Pennsylvania this year that means new rules.
The old fireworks law from 2004 was replaced with the passage of House Bill 542 on October 30th which permits the legal purchase and use of aerial fireworks. Previously, the only fireworks that could be legally purchased were novelty items like sparklers and fountains.
Under the new law, fireworks will be taxed at a rate of 12% in addition to the state’s 6% sales tax. The money raised from the 12% fireworks sales tax will go into a fund for first responders.
The PA Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor compliance and regulate the sale of fireworks.
Written by Ryan Saeler