Oregonians could buy fireworks more often under a measure introduced Wednesday in Salem.
Right now, licensed retailers can only sell fireworks in Oregon for about two weeks before the Fourth of July.
The bill would expand that to include the time leading up to New Year’s Eve, as well as the Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival called Diwali.
The Chinese New Year is typically celebrated in late January or early February. Diwali celebrates the harvest, and is usually observed in late October or early November. The date for both holidays moves from year-to-year, and is based on the lunar cycle.
The chief sponsor of the bill is Rep. Chris Gorsek, D-Troutdale. He said he was approached by fireworks dealers who said their east and south Asian customers wanted to buy fireworks to use during their holidays.
Gorsek said that seemed like a good enough reason to introduce the measure. “I just think it’s important to expand this and allow different cultural groups the chance to fully support and celebrate their particular holidays,” he said.
Gorsek said the bill would not change what kind of fireworks could be sold, just the time of year that sales could take place.
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