AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The Maine Senate has upheld Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that would’ve placed some limits on fireworks use in the state.
The 20-15 vote on Wednesday falls short of the two-thirds needed to override the governor’s veto. The bill would’ve restricted fireworks use before noon and clarified that their irresponsible use could represent disorderly conduct.
LePage said the proposed restrictions were “heavy-handed regulations” and seek “to roll back the existing legal framework that permits the use of approved fireworks.”
Fireworks became legal in 2012.
Supporters of the bill said it merely sought to give relief to those concerned about firework use. They say they’ve received complaints from veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, parents of small children and farmers with livestock.
The measure is now dead.
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