Dayton Vetoes Fireworks Expansion Attempt

Dayton vetoed the fireworks bill Saturday night. He had admitted to being torn over the issue, but said he was swayed by opposition from fire chiefs and other safety officials.

Supporters of the bill argued that any Minnesotans who want to set off fireworks can easily obtain them in neighboring states, and that police rarely enforce Minnesota's existing laws.

The bill Dayton vetoed would have legalized aerial fireworks and other devices with a louder bang than the novelty fireworks now allowed in Minnesota.

Minnesota has permitted novelty fireworks such as glow worms and sparklers for about a decade.