HB614: HB614 Local government; prohibit use or ignition of consumer fireworks in proximity to certain facilities housing equines; authorize

Current Georgia law regulates fireworks use but does not specifically address the effect of fireworks near horses and other equines kept in confined facilities such as stables or barns. This bill adds a new subsection to the state's fireworks law (O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2) giving local governments the option, not a requirement, to pass their own ordinance restricting fireworks near these animals. Under the bill, a county or municipal government may adopt an ordinance banning the use or ignition of consumer fireworks within 200 yards of a facility housing equines in a confined area. The term equine is defined by reference to another section of Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121). Local governments that adopt such an ordinance may also include a process for issuing special event permits, letting people temporarily use or ignite fireworks within that 200-yard zone for approved events. The bill repeals any conflicting laws.

• Authorizes, but does not require, county and municipal governments to adopt an ordinance banning consumer fireworks within 200 yards of a facility confining equines.
• Defines 'equine' for this purpose by pointing to the definition already used in O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121.
• Allows local governments that pass such an ordinance to also create a special event permit process letting people temporarily use fireworks within the restricted 200-yard zone.
• Repeals any existing state or local laws that conflict with this new authority.

Local county and municipal governments, which gain new authority to regulate fireworks; owners and operators of stables, barns, and other facilities that confine horses or other equines; and residents or event organizers who use consumer fireworks near such facilities.

Loud fireworks can frighten horses and other confined equines, sometimes causing injury to the animals or people nearby. This bill gives local governments a tool to reduce that risk by restricting fireworks near stables, while still allowing exceptions for permitted special events like local celebrations.

• Section 1 adds new subsection (d) to O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2, defining 'equine' by reference to O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121.
• Paragraph (d)(2) permits a county or municipal governing authority to adopt an ordinance prohibiting fireworks use or ignition within 200 yards of a confined equine facility.
• Paragraph (d)(3) allows such an ordinance to include a special event permit process for temporary fireworks use within that 200-yard zone.
• Section 2 repeals all laws and parts of laws that conflict with the new provisions.

1. 2025-05-14Effective Date 2025-07-01
2. 2025-05-14Act 274
3. 2025-05-14House Date Signed by Governor (House)
4. 2025-04-07House Sent to Governor (House)
5. 2025-03-25House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub (House)
6. 2025-03-20Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senate)
7. 2025-03-20Senate Third Read (Senate)
8. 2025-03-18Senate Read Second Time (Senate)

• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)Primary sponsor
• Brad Thomas (R, HD-021)
• Charles Martin (R, HD-049)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 6, 2025

   168 yea, 1 nay (2 not voting, 9 absent)

   Passage: House Vote #213

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 20, 2025

   50 yea, 1 nay (1 not voting, 4 absent)

   Passage By Substitute: Senate Vote #262

3. PassedHouse voteMarch 25, 2025

   168 yea, 1 nay (5 not voting, 6 absent)

   Agree To Senate Substitute: House Vote #315

• fireworks regulation
• local government authority
• animal welfare
• equine safety