Manufacture, sale, and use of fireworks regulated; and portion of revenues from the sale of fireworks dedicated to public safety purposes.

Minnesota House File 3547 (HF3547) is a bill introduced in February 2026 that aims to regulate the manufacture, sale, and use of fireworks in the state. A key provision of the bill is to allocate a portion of the revenues generated from the sale of certain fireworks to public safety initiatives. Specifically, the bill proposes that 25% of the sales tax revenue from aerial and audible fireworks be directed to the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Account, another 25% to the Fire Safety Account, and the remaining 50% to the General Fund. This allocation is intended to support fire safety programs and assist volunteer fire departments. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that these dedicated revenues supplement, rather than replace, existing funding sources for public safety programs.

Supporters of HF3547 argue that the bill provides a balanced approach to fireworks regulation by allowing their sale and use while ensuring that a significant portion of the generated revenue is reinvested into public safety. They highlight that directing funds to the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Account and the Fire Safety Account will enhance resources for fire departments, particularly volunteer units, thereby improving emergency response capabilities. Proponents also suggest that the bill could stimulate economic activity through fireworks sales while simultaneously bolstering public safety funding.

Critics of HF3547 express concerns that increasing access to fireworks may lead to a rise in fire-related incidents and injuries, potentially placing additional strain on emergency services. They argue that the potential public safety risks associated with more widespread fireworks use could outweigh the benefits of the additional funding allocated to fire safety programs. Opponents also question whether the revenue generated will be sufficient to cover the costs of any increased incidents resulting from expanded fireworks availability.