Poll: More respondents say counties should have power to restrict fireworks

The Record’s online poll from July 6-27 asked readers whether they think local governments should be able to restrict fireworks being legally sold.

The Texas Legislature has mandated that although local governments can enact burn bans, they don’t have that option when it comes to restricting the types of fireworks that can be legally sold.

The Texas Legislature, through the Texas Occupations Code, has mandated that counties can only restrict certain types of fireworks — those with “sticks and fins” — if the area’s KDBI index is 575 or greater nine days before fireworks can be legally sold and 19 days before the holiday when the majority of them will be used.

Doing more than that now requires a declaration by the governor — something that only happens in cases of “extreme drought” like in 2011, the year of the Labor Day wildfires in Bastrop.

The poll asking, “Do you think local governments should be able to restrict fireworks being legally sold?” received a total of 137 votes, with the majority of votes – 80 percent or 109 votes – going to option “Yes, because they are more aware of the local drought conditions.” Twenty percent, or 28 votes, chose, “No, firework sales should be held to a statewide standard.”

A majority of poll voters think that local governments should retain control over whether fireworks can be sold within their jurisdiction. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for reader’s opinions on they think the Lindsey Hill development will be a beneficial development. It can be voted on now.