House Bill 172 Proponent Testimony

Summary

Proponent testimony dated March 24, 2021 on House Bill 172, addressed to Chairman Stein, Vice-Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Lepore-Hagan and members of an Ohio legislative committee, submitted on behalf of American Promotional Events, Inc., which sells under the TNT Fireworks name. The testimony supports the bill's reform of Ohio's fireworks laws, stating that it would allow ground-based sparklers or fountains to be sold in retail stores. It says the company ships assortments with fountains to every state except Ohio, Illinois, Vermont and Massachusetts. The testimony states that retail partners have agreed to be licensed by the State Fire Marshal, collect a 4% tax on fountain sales, follow National Fire Protection Association Code 1124, and sell only in fixed retail stores to those 18 years old or older. A map of state sparkler laws is attached.

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March 24, 2021
House Bill 172 Proponent Testimony
Eric Turner

Chairman Stein, Vice-Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Lepore-Hagan, and members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify as a proponent on House Bill 172. My name
is Eric Turner and | want to applaud Representatives Baldridge and O'Brien for their efforts to
bring this much needed reform to Ohio's fireworks laws.

Our company, American Promotional Events, Inc. (sold under the TNT Fireworks name,)
celebrated 100 years selling fireworks this last year. Our company offers a wide variety of
products to our more than 40,000 retail customers across the United States. We have one TNT
Fireworks Supercenter in Dayton, but primarily work with over 1,400 retail partners in Ohio, In
Ohio, our sales have been limited to handheld sparklers and noveity items that are currently the
only fireworks permissible for sale by Chain Retailers and Mom & Pop stores.

As you know, House Bill 172 will finally allow Ohioans to celebrate the 4" of July with fireworks and
without breaking the law. The bill also brings Ohio in-line with the vast majority of other states that
allow for ground sparklers to be sold in retail stores. Ground-based Sparklers or Fountains are non-
explosive and non-aerial devices that emit a shower of sparks. These fountains are often sold with
hand-held sparklers and novelty items in an assortment pack. However, under current Ohio law,
these devices are only available where fireworks are sold. Attached to this letter is a picture
showing the four states in yellow not allowing ground-based sparklers.

Our company ships the assortments with the fountains to every state except Ohio, Illinois, Vermont
and Massachusetts. With the passage of this bill, our Ohio retailers, including Wal*Mart, Target,
Meijer, Sam's, Costco and Kroger, among many others, will have the opportunity to sell these
products to Ohio consumers for their own family 4" of July celebrations.

Our retail partners welcome this proposed change as an exciting new offering to their customers.
They have agreed that to sell these new devices, the store must be licensed by the State Fire
Marshal, collect a 4% tax on the sale of the fountains and must adhere to the National Fire
Protection Association Code 1124. Furthermore, these fountains are only to be sold in fixed retail
stores and only to those 18 years old or older. Just as my company believes in the utmost
importance of safety, our retail partners are committed to ensuring these new items will be sold ina
safe and responsible manner.

| want to thank Representatives Baldridge and O’Brien for their efforts on this issue. | also want to
thank others in the fireworks industry. Although we compete against one another in the
marketplace, we have been able to come together and reach a compromise with the legislation now
in front of your Committee. House Bill 172 will benefit retailers in Ohio, while also allowing Ohio
citizens to enjoy the celebration of our freedom, in a safe and enjoyable way.

| urge the Committee's support of House Bill 172 and would be happy to answer any questions.

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