The illegal use of fireworks has been an ongoing issue not only in the City of Springfield but across the Commonwealth. Although fireworks are illegal in the City of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and being caught with them can result in fines, this penalty has not had the deterrence many had hoped.
Mayor Sarno states, “I fully support this pending legislation that being sponsored by Representative Susan Gifford, that will add teeth to our Commonwealths penalties on illegal fireworks. The constant barrage of fireworks across our city has not only posed a quality of life issue and a potential fire hazard for our brave and dedicated public safety officials, but has also become a major concern and issue for our residents suffering from PTSD, our families who have a new born baby at home who are trying to sleep, and for our pets who become scared and anxious from the loud noises.”
Previously, Mayor Sarno and Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila sponsored and got approved a special home rule legislation that has been filed with the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by state Representative Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., H 3752: An Act Relative to Outstanding Fines, Fes, Penalties, or Costs Related to the Use of Fireworks or Pyrotechnics in the City of Springfield. This home rule legislation would only affect Springfield and would give our public safety officials much needed authority to hold those to commit these violations accountable.
“I want to thank Representative Angelo Puppolo for filing our local home rule legislation. Now is the time to get both of these legislative bills passed to give our residents, business community, and neighborhoods relief and peace of mind,” Mayor Sarno added. “This legislation would allow the city to immobilize parked cars when the owners have long-delinquent violations related to illegal fireworks possession. Our home rule legislation, H 3752, would give the City of Springfield the much needed authority to hold these violators accountable. It will send a strong message that fireworks are not only dangerous and a major quality of life nuisance but it will remind them that fireworks are illegal and that there will be a significant cost associated if you are caught with them in the City of Springfield.”
H 1609: An Act Relative to the Penalty for the Sale and Use of Fireworks, sponsored by Representative Gifford will be heard by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary at a virtual public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
H 3752: An Act Relative to Outstanding Fines, Fes, Penalties, or Costs Related to the Use of Fireworks or Pyrotechnics in the City of Springfield, sponsored by Representative Puppolo was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and is now before the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
