From the moment fireworks were made available for retail sale in Rhode Island, they went from being a communal symbol of celebration to a cause of conflict, friction, and pain, shattering the peace of our communities across the state.

The police have been bombarded by calls about explosives loud enough to wake adults, children and infants from a sound sleep. For individuals with PTSD, whether as a result of military service or other experience, the effect of out-of-control rockets and mortars has the potential to induce trauma. In addition to the human toll, the non-stop assault creates intense panic in household pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Although the current law bans aerial fireworks and any fireworks that create a loud bang, citizens from cities to small towns are suffering what sounds like a war zone nearly every day and night of the summer as people flout the law with powerful explosives that far exceed what the law permits. All of this puts unnecessary pressure on the police, who often have no viable way to enforce the law as written.

In the past, fireworks displays - put on by professionals under contract with the state or municipalities, carefully regulated and restricted to a handful of dates and times - were a source of wholesome family enjoyment, a draw for tourists, and an occasion for people of all backgrounds to come together socially in celebration of the values that should unite us. Private individuals could by sparklers and other non-noise-producing recreational fireworks. This is the arrangement to which we need to return. Families should be able to enjoy sparklers and such. But no one who works all day should have their sleep interrupted night after night; no parent should have to get up to comfort a frightened child; no one who has served this country in uniform should be caused mental torment; no pet owner should be subjected to watching their happy animals sent into anguished panic; and no one who depends on tourism for their livelihood should be forced to tolerate a practice that makes our state a less attractive tourist destination.

We, the undersigned demand swift legislative action to restore peace and quiet. We call on the House, Senate, and Governor to reintroduce strict prohibitions on the sale and possession of all fireworks by private individuals of any age in the State of Rhode Island.