AUGUSTA, Maine—A bill to allow the sale of fireworks in Maine is still alive in the Legislature.
Members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 8-5 Monday on a bill that would allow people 21 and older to buy fireworks from authorized stand-alone fireworks stores in Maine.
The bill now heads to the full Legislature for consideration.
Supporters say fireworks are already prevalent in Maine from people who buy them in New Hampshire around the Fourth of July, and that legalizing them would bring in tax revenue and give the state better control over what types of fireworks are allowed.
Critics say legalizing fireworks would result in more injuries and property damage.
According to the Bangor Daily news, Gov. Paul LePage supports loosening Maine's prohibition on fireworks.