DES MOINES, Iowa — Firework season is just beginning, but several fireworks retailers say new legislation is helping boost business.

SF 303 was signed by Governor Reynolds on May 14th, after quickly moving through the state legislature in just over a month.

“There was the law, legislation that went through, it passed and signed by the governor. Cities and counties can no longer restrict firework usage on July third and the fourth, if you follow the state laws as written, they cannot restrict your use,” said Tim Sipma, Simpa Farms Fireworks.

Laws residents still must follow include only using consumer-grade fireworks on your personal property, not firing display fireworks without local permission, and no minors purchasing or using fireworks.

The push to get the law through comes a year ahead of the 250-year celebration of the United States and reflects a growing interest in fireworks.

“A lot of people fell in love with fireworks because in 2020, you couldn’t travel anywhere and people said, well, I got to spend my money somewhere, and so everybody tried fireworks, and it turned out they loved it,” said Steven Greig, Wild Willy’s Fireworks Sales Manager. “Sales have only grown since then.”

With interest piqued, firework retailers say this law benefits more than just the stores.

“I was excited about it. It is so hard to talk to customers and explain to them about, you know, where you can or can’t shoot them off, or what are the rules when every city is different. It’s very confusing for the consumer,” said Kim Sandstoe, Jake’s Fireworks Building Operator.

“I think the best thing it might do is relieve the police officers of having to run around on the third and fourth and listen to every call that comes in because they had to respond, but it’s usually just a family lighting a few fireworks on the 4th of July,” said Greig.

It’s still early in the fireworks season; most stores don’t see the majority of their customers till the week leading up to the 4th of July. However, retailers say they’ve already seen some excited newcomers.

“What we’ve seen is there are a lot more people that are starting to say, okay, that’s great. I may go out and buy fireworks,” said Sipma.

“We’ve had a lot of customers come in. They’re excited. You know, they’re looking at things that maybe they wouldn’t have looked at before,” said Sandstoe. “So, they’re excited to be able to enjoy the holidays.”