APPROVED CHAPTER
MARCH 29, 2022 135
BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-TWO
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S.P. 430 - L.D. 1348
Resolve, To Study the Impacts of Consumer Fireworks Use
Sec. 1. Stakeholder group. Resolved: That, in accordance with the requirements
of this section, the State Fire Marshal shall convene a stakeholder group to review matters
relating to the impacts of consumer fireworks use.
1. The State Fire Marshal shall, at a minimum, include as members of the stakeholder
group:
A. The Commissioner of Public Safety or the commissioner's designee;
B. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the commissioner's
designee;
C. The Director of the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry or the director's designee;
D. A representative of a statewide organization representing the interests of farmers;
E. A representative of a statewide equine protection organization;
F. A representative of a statewide animal welfare organization;
G. A veterinarian;
H. An owner of a business that sells consumer fireworks in the State; and
I. A representative of a statewide organization representing municipal interests.
2. The stakeholder group shall review and conduct research on matters relating to the
impacts of consumer fireworks use in the State including, but not limited to:
A. A review of the decibel levels of consumer fireworks sold in the State, including
how the decibel level of a firework can impact humans, pets, livestock and wildlife,
and a review of documented reports since the enactment of Public Law 2011, chapter
416 of harm to animals caused directly or indirectly by the use of consumer fireworks;
B. A survey of residents of the State to identify concerns and negative experiences with
consumer fireworks use;
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 C. A review of laws of other jurisdictions regulating the use of consumer fireworks,
including any laws requiring a user of consumer fireworks to notify abutters or nearby
persons prior to use; and
D. An analysis of methods and the feasibility of implementing a notification system in
the State to alert the owners of livestock and other animals of potential nearby
consumer fireworks use prior to such use.
As used in this section, "consumer fireworks" has the same meaning as in the Maine
Revised Statutes, Title 8, section 221-A, subsection 1-A.
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, on or before January 15, 2023, the State Fire
Marshal shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction
over criminal justice and public safety matters a report outlining the findings and any
recommendations of the stakeholder group convened pursuant to section 1, including any
proposed legislation. After reviewing the report, the joint standing committee may report
out legislation relating to the report to the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature.
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