After asking for legalization, Rosenberg's police chief seeks stronger enforcement
Last June, Rosenberg Police Chief Jonathan White asked the city council to legalize fireworks. At the time, he told ABC13 that his department struggled to handle the more than 100 calls it receives on the Fourth of July.
"Those officers will have to go and investigate, and it takes time away from some of the other issues," White explained in June of 2025.
This June, White was back at the council. This time, asking members to pass an ordinance that gives more enforcement for fireworks shot on private property.
"It would also establish an additional mechanism by allowing administrative citations to be issued to property owners when fireworks are discharged on private property," White said.
On Tuesday, the council passed the item.
"What happens is when the police come and tell people to quit popping fireworks, they run inside the house, well, some of them, lock the door, turn the lights out, and hope the authorities go away," Mayor William Benton said.
If issued, the ordinance shows someone could face a $500 fine.
Ordinance would allow residents to help police issue citations
White told ABC13 that a citation could be issued if a law enforcement member saw someone shooting fireworks on private property. It could also be issued, he said, if a resident told officers they saw their neighbor using fireworks.
And they don't need proof either. The ordinance states that a neighbor would sign an affidavit swearing to what they witnessed. If they lied, they face perjury charges.
ABC13 asked White whether RPD would pursue charges if a neighbor made a false report, to which he responded that it would depend on the situation.
Attorney Steve Shellist looked at the ordinance and told ABC13 it could create a legal disaster.
Shellist said the civil citation means someone would only face a judge, and not a jury. With a $500 fine and a neighbor's word against them, Shellist said it could cause due process concerns.
Chief White said that if residents are caught using fireworks on public property, they could receive a municipal ticket, which could result in a jury trial. This change, he said, gives officers an additional option.
Fines could balloon well above $500
The ordinance states that violators face a $500 fine. However, for repeat offenders, it could be much more.
The ordinance explains that someone who receives more than one citation may also be required to pay response costs. White said that means if police, fire, and EMS visit your home, you may have to pay for their presence.
The bill, he said, could be in the thousands of dollars.