TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari to allow the sale and possession of sparklers and novelty fireworks in New Jersey is now law.
“With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, I’m pleased the governor took action quickly to allow residents to celebrate with sparklers and novelty fireworks,” said Senator Scutari (D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union). “New Jersey was one of only a few states that prohibited the sale and possession of fireworks, though we know that our residents were purchasing these products elsewhere. This new law allows the sale, possession, storage, and use of limited types of fireworks. It will allow people to enjoy these products without the fear of violating the law. It will also allow businesses to benefit from the sales and the state to begin generating tax revenue immediately, rather than giving it away to other states.”
The law (S-3034) amended state statute to allow New Jersey residents age 16 and older to buy certain fireworks, including:
• wire sparklers with up to 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture each;
• non-explosive handheld or ground-based sparkling devices with up to 75 grams of pyrotechnic composition per tube; and
• snakes and glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers, which include party poppers, snappers and drop pops.
Previous law prohibited the sale, possession, or use of fireworks other than by an authorized purchaser with a valid permit to purchase fireworks for public display as approved by a municipality.
The bill cleared the Assembly 75-0 and cleared the full Senate 35-1. The governor signed it into law Wednesday. The law takes effect immediately.