Now that we had some time to digest the first run-through of the new legalization of fireworks law in Iowa, one lawmaker discusses what he’s heard and will be looking forward to in the next round of fireworks in the winter.

District 10 Senator Jake Chapman was one of the leaders on the fireworks bill and says he’s heard both positive and negative feedback from Iowans. He says most of the negative comments have come the Cedar Rapids and Des Moines areas.

“Ironically most of the issues that I’ve dealt with are people not following the law. People shooting off fireworks at 2 o’clock in the morning, not keeping fireworks on their own property, all of those things are addressed within Senate File 489.”

He reminds everyone that just because there is a law, doesn’t actually stop anyone from breaking the law. The positive comments were mostly from people who enjoyed just being able to walk right outside of their house and see all kinds of fireworks. Other than having the freedom to celebrate America’s independents by shooting of fireworks, there is another benefit as well.

“Now there obviously is going to be a tax boost to the state through sales tax. Additionally I think there will be some income tax. I’ve heard from a number of retailers who have hired people full time and seasonal work as well.”

He estimates the permit fees for retailers to sale fireworks is about $250,000, and the state will receive and another $1 million through sales tax.