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SF 303

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of consumer fireworks.

2025-2026 Regular Session

County boards may restrict consumer/display fireworks on non-July 3, 4, or Dec 31 only if they determine it threatens safety/property or causes a nuisance; cities may restrict with

Explanation of vote.
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Bill Summary · SF 303

Summary — SF 303 (2025): County and City Regulation of Consumer Fireworks

Status: Enacted (approved by Governor May 19, 2025). Introduced Feb 13, 2025. Explanation of vote recorded May 20, 2025.

Purpose

To clarify and limit the circumstances under which county boards of supervisors and city councils may adopt ordinances or resolutions restricting the use of consumer and display fireworks (as defined in Iowa Code section 727.2).

Key provisions

  • Amends Iowa Code section 331.301(17) (county board of supervisors authority):
    • A board may by ordinance or resolution prohibit or limit the use of consumer fireworks or display fireworks on any day other than July 3, July 4, and December 31 — but only if the board first determines that such use would (a) constitute a threat to public safety or private property or (b) constitute a nuisance to neighboring landowners.
  • Amends Iowa Code section 364.2(6) (city council authority):
    • A city council may by ordinance or resolution prohibit or limit the use of consumer fireworks, display fireworks, or novelties on any day other than July 3, July 4, and December 31 (in accordance with section 727.2(4)). Unlike the county provision, no prior formal determination of threat or nuisance is required for a city council to act.
  • The bill references the general prohibition that restrictions may not apply to July 3, July 4, or December 31 per Iowa Code section 727.2(4).
  • Existing statutory penalty: violation of Code section 727.2 is a simple misdemeanor (retained under existing law).

Who is affected

  • County boards of supervisors: must make an explicit determination of threat to safety/property or nuisance before restricting fireworks on non-excluded dates.
  • City councils: retain the ability to prohibit or limit fireworks without the same formal determination requirement.
  • Iowa residents and landowners: their ability to use consumer/display fireworks outside July 3, 4, and Dec 31 can be regulated by local governments subject to the above standards.
  • Law enforcement/local government officials: responsible for applying and enforcing local restrictions consistent with the bill.

Legislative and procedural notes

  • Passed Senate (Apr 7, 2025): yeas 31, nays 16.
  • Passed House (May 12, 2025): yeas 51, nays 39.
  • Governor signed and approved May 19, 2025.
  • Several floor amendments were filed (S-3009, S-3016, H-1313). Notably, H-1313 (which would have added age and sale/use restrictions and new penalties) was ruled not germane/failed to be adopted; S-3009 and S-3016 were withdrawn. SF 303 was enacted in its final enrolled form shown above.
  • Effective date: bill was approved May 19, 2025 (check Iowa Code or the enrolled act for the statutory effective date).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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