Proposed bill puts end to late night fireworks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local legislator is fighting to put an end to late night fireworks.

While some people enjoy popping fireworks in all hours of the night, others do not appreciate the loud noise as they try to sleep.

Houston Republican State Representative Kevin Roberts is proposing a bill to allow county commissioners the ability to determine the hours in which fireworks are discharged.

According to House Bill 1183, "the commissioners court of a county by order may prohibit the use of fireworks in the unincorporated area of the county during the hours specified by the order." The order excludes holidays like New Year's Eve and July 4.

"Imagine if you owned your home for two decades, then a neighbor, who could be an event center, decides to host a fireworks show at their home that lasts past midnight," Roberts told CommunityImpact.com. "Now imagine the frustration in trying to sleep through these firework shows, with no way of addressing the issue."

A person who violates the order will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor.

The law will take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds votes of all members in the house. If it does not receive enough votes for it to go into effect immediately, it will take effect Sept. 1.

Roberts released a full statement to ABC13:

"HB 1183 is designed to address a quality of life issue in my district.

Currently, there is no authority for any governmental entity to restrict the hours that fireworks may be used in unincorporated areas. Unfortunately, this leaves many of my neighbors without a place to turn when people choose to pop fireworks into the early morning hours. Imagine if you owned your home for two decades, then a neighbor, who could be an event center, decides to host a fireworks show at their home that lasts past midnight. Now imagine the frustration in trying to sleep through these firework shows, with no way of addressing the issue. I have received numerous calls and sat through many community meetings where constituents begged us to provide a solution. House Bill 1183 provides a remedy by giving county commissioners courts the authority to regulate hours of use.

I want to emphasize that I do not have any issue with the sale or use of fireworks. Unincorporated areas face a unique set of needs. That is why giving local officials ordinance making authority is the best solution to this problem."

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