HB 614: Local government; prohibit use or ignition of consumer fireworks in proximity to certain facilities housing equines; authorize

Current Georgia law regulates fireworks activities and how local noise ordinances apply to them, but it does not specifically address fireworks near facilities where horses and other equines are kept. This bill adds a new subsection to that law (O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2) giving county and municipal governments the option to adopt an ordinance banning the use or ignition of consumer fireworks within 200 yards of a facility housing equines in a confined area. The bill also lets local governments build an exception into that ordinance: they may create special event permits allowing temporary fireworks use within that 200-yard zone, such as for a scheduled celebration. The bill defines 'equine' by pointing to the definition already used elsewhere in Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121). Local governments are not required to act; the bill simply authorizes them to pass such rules if they choose.

• Authorizes county and municipal governments to adopt an ordinance banning consumer fireworks within 200 yards of facilities housing equines in confined areas.
• Allows those same ordinances to include a special event permit process letting fireworks be used temporarily within the 200-yard zone.
• Defines 'equine' by referencing the existing definition in O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121 rather than creating a new one.
• Leaves adoption of any such ordinance optional, giving local governments discretion rather than imposing a statewide mandate.

County and municipal governments deciding whether to pass new fireworks ordinances, owners and operators of stables, farms, and other facilities that house horses or other equines, and residents or businesses that use consumer fireworks near those facilities.

Fireworks noise can startle horses and other equines, posing safety risks to animals and handlers. This bill gives local governments a clear legal tool to restrict fireworks near stables and similar facilities while still allowing exceptions for planned events through a permit process.

• Section 1 adds a new subsection (d) to O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2 defining 'equine' using the meaning already set out in O.C.G.A. § 2-8-121.
• Section 1, paragraph (2) authorizes county or municipal governing authorities to adopt an ordinance prohibiting consumer fireworks within 200 yards of a facility housing equines in a confined area.
• Section 1, paragraph (3) allows such an ordinance to include a special event permit process for temporary fireworks use within that 200-yard zone.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting state laws.

1. 2025-07-01Effective Date
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-47)Primary sponsor
• Brad Thomas (R, HD-21)
• Chuck Martin (R, HD-49)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-21)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 6, 2025

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

   PASSAGE: House Vote #213

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 20, 2025

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

   PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE: Senate Vote #262

3. PassedHouse voteMarch 25, 2025

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

   Agree to Senate Substitute: House Vote #315

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