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Just days after Independence Day, Rep. Jeff Yaroch (R-Richmond) has pushed for new laws that would provide reforms to current fireworks laws, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

Yaroch’s proposals came after he said his office received several complaints about fireworks going off too close to structures. House Bill 5004 would bar firework users from setting them off within 200 feet of property that doesn't belong to them.

“There’s a lot of frustration regarding fireworks. In Macomb County and across Southeast Michigan, the population density is much greater than areas in Northern Michigan. This has resulted in many complaints about fireworks being ignited too close to homes and other structures. For the safety of the community and people’s property, this is a reasonable solution that will go a long way for every neighborhood across the state," Yaroch said, according to Michigan House Republicans. 

Rep. Jeff Yaroch | Michigan House Republicans

As for his second proposal, HB 5005, the legislation would allow the government to oversee the sale, use, ignition and release of sky lanterns, which include a luminary device with an open flame. 

“Although sky lanterns look nice in the night sky, the reality is they drift away and can land somewhere when they are still burning. There’s no predicting where they land, be it a farm field, power line, lake or home. And depending on where one lands, it could pose a safety hazard. We want to give local governments the option to regulate these devices how they see fit,” Yaroch told Michigan House Republicans.

HB 5004 and 5005 are currently being evaluated by the House Regulatory Reform Committee.