INDIANAPOLIS | The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly Saturday to allow local communities to ban fireworks use on all but a dozen days per year.
Local officials in Hammond, Schererville and Valparaiso complained loudly last summer after a change in state law legalized year-round fireworks use from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Indiana has allowed firework sales for decades, but had forced buyers to sign an often ignored form promising to cross state lines before igniting their purchases.
Sen. Vic Heinold, R-Kouts, said Senate Bill 9, should satisfy local concerns.
"This is what they asked for," he said. "It gives them the chance to set local rules they can enforce."
The legislation, which cleared the House 84-8 and the Senate 37-6, still must be signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels, who has voiced support for a "home rule" law on fireworks.
Cities, and towns, or counties in the case of unincorporated areas, could pass ordinances limiting the times and days that fireworks can be used. They would have to allow fireworks from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset on June 29 to July 3 and July 5-9 and from 10 a.m until midnight on July 4 and Dec. 31, with an extension until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Massage regulation
Lawmakers also completed work on effort to begin state regulation of massage therapists, which supporters say would strike a blow against brothels fronting as spas.
Police busted a pair of Valparaiso spas on prostitution charges in January, and similar stings took place a few weeks later in Carmel, a suburb north of Indianapolis. Law enforcement raided four spas in Highland and Dyer last year following a lengthy investigation into claims employees solicited sex from customers.
Senate Bill 320, which passed the Senate 36-7 and the House 60-31, would establish a state board of massage therapy.
Applicants for certification would be required to complete 500 hours of supervised training, pass a state exam and pay a yet-to-be-determined fee. Those convicted of prostitution and other sex offenses would be denied certification.
The legislation goes to Gov. Mitch Daniels, who has said he would support such an effort.
