MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Board March 19 to discuss the new firework ordinance.

Back in December of 2018, former Governor Rick Snyder approved various house bills amending the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act. What this act means for local government is that this legislation gives authorization to reduce the number of days and hours that a person may use fireworks.

Under a previous act, a local government was not allowed to regulate the use of fireworks from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m. on the day of, the day before, or the day after any national holiday.

The new proposed amendment would prohibit the use of consumer fireworks to the fullest extent under the Fireworks Safety Act. The ordinance will also not allow the use of fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or any other person's property without permission. In addition, the act prohibits the use of fireworks while under the influence.

The Township Board will continue to discuss this firework ordinance at further meetings.